Levine et al: Intercostal thoracoscopic pericardiectomy in left lateral recumbency: A cadaveric study of feasibility, efficiency, and extent of pericardial resection
Veterinary Surgery 1, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

Study design: Randomized cadaveric comparison (n=20 dogs; ILR vs PDR)

Approaches:

• ILR = Intercostal in Left Lateral Recumbency (no OLV required)
• PDR = Paraxiphoid in Dorsal Recumbency (traditional)

Outcomes:

• Pericardiectomy time was shorter for ILR (p = .045)
• Pericardial fragment size was significantly larger in PDR group (p = .004; 23.21 cm² difference)
• Visibility and cardiac exposure were superior in PDR group

Feasibility:

• ILR approach was consistently successful in achieving partial pericardiectomy
• Bilateral ventilation was adequate; no need for OLV

Clinical relevance:

• ILR may improve efficiency when paired with TDL
• PDR remains preferable for cases requiring maximal pericardial resection