Aortic erosion during negative pressure therapy in a pediatric heart transplant recipient

Ann Thorac Surg. 2011 Nov;92(5):1879-80. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2011.04.092. Epub 2011 Oct 31.

Abstract

A happy-ending "series of unfortunate events" is reported of the successful emergency treatment of an erosion of the ascending aorta during negative pressure sternal wound therapy for a relapse of Berlin Heart driveline infection in a pediatric transplant recipient. Several key issues related to assist device-related infections and negative pressure complications are discussed in this peculiar setting.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta / injuries*
  • Aorta / surgery
  • Child
  • Female
  • Heart Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / adverse effects*