Successful management of severe pulmonary artery injury during mediastinoscopy

Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011 Jan;59(1):73-6. doi: 10.1007/s11748-010-0633-8. Epub 2011 Jan 12.

Abstract

Although many reports have shown that mediastinoscopy is an extremely safe procedure, the most serious complication that can occur is hemorrhage from the large vessels in the mediastinum. A patient with severe pulmonary artery injury during mediastinoscopy that was successfully repaired through a right posterolateral thoracotomy is reported. Digital compression based on the anatomy was highly effective in controlling the hemorrhage caused by a longitudinal tear.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Hemorrhage / etiology*
  • Hemorrhage / surgery*
  • Hemostatic Techniques*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinoscopy / adverse effects*
  • Pressure
  • Pulmonary Artery / injuries
  • Pulmonary Artery / surgery*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Thoracotomy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology
  • Vascular System Injuries / surgery*