A surgical approach using a “pericardial window” is performed when there is concern that the pericardial fluid will accumulate, such as with a malignant pericardial effusion.

This is usually done percutaneously through a subxiphoid approach. A surgical pericardial window can be done to create communication between the pericardial space and the pleural space.

although other approaches may be equally effective and less invasive (e.g., pericardial window either by conventional heart surgery or video-assisted thoracoscopy). On the contrary ...

On the contrary, if tuberculosis is endemic in the population, empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy is considered for the treatment of pericardial effusions when other causes have been excluded.