The pericardium's main function is to secrete proteins that ensure proper functioning within the pericardial space and to maintain pericardial pressure. Once dissected the pericardium is usually left open at the end of surgery due to the difficulty in realigning the edges and to avoid adverse effects cause by an inflammatory response. The body's inflammatory response is one of protection and healing of an injury. However many of the inflammatory biomarkers released can cause adverse outcomes after cardiac surgery, including: renal failure, myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, stroke and death.