How is thickening of the pericardial band dealt with? (no pericarditis, quite severe thickening & calcification). how invasive is the surgery?

Pericardectomy: Is stripping of a constrictve pericardium...This is performed through a sternotomy...It's invasive surgery.

Sternotomy: Pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis is generally done via median sternotomy with cardio-pulmonary bypass pump on standby. Patients may require pump bypass. This is major surgery. However, the clinical benefits of relieving the heart can be tremendous and life changing in appropriate candidates. http://goo.gl/gfwuu.