Cardiovascular system

Abstract

INITIAL STEPS Before the autopsy is begun, a radiogram of the chestmaybe performed (see Chapter 10). Theremoval of the chestplateis thenperformed. In patients whohavehad previous open-heart surgery via a median sternotomy, diffuse pericardial adhesions are common, which require careful dissection of theheartaway from the sternum so as not to disrupt anysurgical sites. Pericardial exudates should be cultured (see Chapter 7). Pericardia! bloodclots should be weighed. If it is necessary to distinguish between blood and serosanguinous fluid, a hematocrit canbe obtained. © 2009 Humana Press.