<unk>  is usually performed under general anaesthetic by a cardiac surgeon. They may make an open surgical incision of up to 10 cm. This is usually located below the xiphoid process of the sternum (sub-xiphoid). Alternatively, access may be gained thoracoscopically with a smaller surgical incision. A small hole of between 1 cm and 2 cm is cut in the pericardium, which is the membrane that surrounds the heart. This allows for any<unk>  fluid and other fluid to escape from the pericardium.
Pericardial window
Pericardiectomy
Corticotomy
Pericardiocentesis
Cardiomyoplasty
Median sternotomy
Balloon tamponade
Aortic cross-clamp