Abstract
Mediastinitis is an unusual but potentially life-threatening complication of cardiac surgery. Open drainage is one of the standard therapies, but there could sometimes be potential complications. We had a patient who underwent open drainage surgery for postoperative mediastinitis, and right ventricular rupture occurred subsequently to extubation in an operation room. Retrospectively reviewed, computed tomography showed strong adhesions between the right ventricle and the posterior margin of sternum, pulling his right ventricle to the right side of his sternum. We should have noticed the risk of leaving the sternum open and performed adhesiolysis of the right ventricle and the posterior margin of sternum to prevent the devastating complication. This case illustrates the importance of recognizing the rare computed tomography sign of ventricular pulling—a predictor for right ventricular rupture after open drainage for mediastinitis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 629-631 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2020 Nov 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Complications
- Mediastinal infection
- Reoperation
- Right ventricular rupture
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine