- pericardiostomy
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peri·car·di·os·to·my .per-ə-.kärd-ē-'äs-tə-mē n, pl -mies surgical formation of an opening into the pericardium* * *
n.an operation in which the membranous sac around the heart is opened and the fluid within drained via a tube. It is sometimes used in the treatment of septic pericarditis.* * *
peri·car·di·os·to·my (per″e-kahr″de-osґtə-me) [pericardium + -ostomy] the creation of an opening into the pericardium, usually for the drainage of effusions.
Medical dictionary. 2011.