Iatrogenic bronchopleural fistula occuring during redo cardiac surgery

Cardiac re-operations are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates due to adhesion of tissues in the anterior mediastinum. Especially, previous usage of left internal thoracic artery constitutes a major challenge for cardiovascular surgeons. In such cases, the left lung frequently adheres to the thoracic wall and may be injured during dissection. This leads to air leak and the complication may in turn increase the risk of mediastinal infections and the hospital stay. A bronchopleural fistula case treated by a novel technique is reported. In patient iatrogenic bronchopleural fistula occured during dissection of the adhesions which resulted due to the first coronary artery bypass grafting and left internal thoracic artery usage. The air leakage was successfully controlled and treated by a novel method: self adhesive BioGlue immersed and coated Surgicel patch. Although it is a single case experience it may be a promising method as it is less traumatic when compared to the classical treatment methods of bronchopleural fistula.