Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Technique and Patient Selection Criteria of Right Anterior Mini-Thoracotomy for Minimal Access Aortic Valve Replacement
Published on: March 26, 2018
Massive hemothorax caused by intercostal artery bleeding: selective embolization may be an alternative to thoracotomy
B Kessel1, R Alfici, I Ashkenazi
1Surgery B Department, Trauma Unit, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel. trauma@hillel-yaffe.health.gov.il
Abstract:
Massive hemothorax is an indication for thoracotomy. We report a case of an 85-year-old debilitated patient, in whom massive hemorrhage from an actively bleeding intercostal artery was controlled by angiographic embolization. Angiographic embolization proved to be an effective alternative to thoracotomy in this patient, thus avoiding numerous postoperative complications and high mortality. Massive bleeding from an intercostal artery should be considered an indication for angiographic embolization in selected patients.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care