Dr. Edward Picardi’s Role in Devising The Laparoscopic Pericardial Window

Dr. Edward Picardi, MD, has enjoyed an outstanding career as a general surgeon. While he’s helped out many and volunteered in numerous ways, one of his proudest moments was when he devised a technique known as the laparoscopic pericardial window in 1997.

What is the laparoscopic pericardial window?

The laparoscopic pericardial window is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to access the pericardial sac. This is a thin sac surrounding the heart. The procedure involves making small incisions in the abdomen.

Then, using a laparoscope, a thin, long instrument with a camera and light at the end, it becomes easier to view the pericardium and create an opening. This opening allows the fluid that may have accumulated in the pericardial sac to be drained, relieving pressure on the heart.

Laparoscopic Pericardial window surgery is typically performed to treat pericardial effusion, which is a buildup of fluid in the pericardial sac that can cause discomfort, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The procedure is considered to be less invasive than traditional open surgery and typically has a shorter recovery time.

It’s important to note that the laparoscopic pericardial window won’t work for everyone. The best treatment option will depend on the individual’s specific health status and the nature of their pericardial effusion. A doctor will be able to advise on the best course of action for each situation.

The Impact of Laparoscopic Pericardial Window

The value of this procedure is that it is easier to pull off for surgeons while cutting down on the impact surgery has on a patient.

Learning how to operate this way also gives general surgeons like Dr. Picardi even more options to help. General surgeons must learn how to carry out several procedures to serve a purpose. Dr. Picardi has used this technique to help patients and get them back to operating like normal in minimal time.

How Dr. Edward Picardi Became a General Surgeon

Along with coming up with the laparoscopic pericardial window technique in 1997, Dr. Edward Picardi has served as a general surgeon for his entire professional career. When he first headed to medical school, he wasn’t sure what type of specialty would draw him in, but he ultimately chose to become a general surgeon.

This instantly came in handy for the board-certified surgeon when working in the United States Air Force. Whether it was Ohio or South Dakota, he had the opportunity to work in the medical field and provide general surgery services to those protecting the country. Once Desert Storm wrapped up, he ended up performing surgery at a private practice in South Dakota.

With his religion being such an essential part of his life, he’s always found time to give back when possible. One of the ways that Dr. Edward Picardi gives back is through medical missionary work. While on a missionary trip, being a general surgeon allows him to contribute in many different ways, depending on his needs.

It wasn’t until the height of the pandemic that Dr. Edward Picardi and his wife, Sandra, decided to relocate back to Ohio. Settling in Steubenville, Ohio, was a great opportunity for him. Helping people regain their health while working with Trinity Health.

How Religion Pushes Picardi

Picardi’s Christian faith remains extremely important to him and his family. It’s why he’s always made time for missionary work. Dr. Picardi regularly visits West Africa through Samaritan’s Purse, which allows him to provide his services to people in need.

Any missionary work involves both medical expertise and religion. His wife Sandra always joins Dr. Edward Picardi whenever he goes overseas, spreading Christianity and giving a struggling area the help they need.

What’s next for Dr. Picardi?

Dr. Edward Picardi has been putting more and more emphasis on volunteer and missionary work than ever before.

Now based in Ohio, he settled in with his opportunity to work with Trinity Health. Returning to the state that started his medical journey in a lot of ways is coming full circle. Working in a smaller city has its benefits, as he stepped in and had the opportunity to be called upon for important medical cases at Trinity Health.

Missionary trips will continue to call his name, and there might be chances to add to the schedule in the future with his wife tagging along. For Dr. Picardi, his selfless nature has always helped solidify his reputation as a general surgeon.