Pericardioperitoneal shunt for massive recurrent pericardial effusion in patients with endomyocardial fibrosis.

Massive recurrent pericardial effusion in patients with endomyocardial fibrosis presents a therapeutic challenge. Repeated pericardiocentesis and creation of a pericardial window is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in these critically ill patients. A new pericardioperitoneal shunt using a Holter valve and Harris catheter has been devised to solve some of these problems.