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Traumatic laceration of a saphenous vein graft: successful surgical repair
A Harada1, T Sakakibara, K Horiba
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|June 1, 1989
Insights
A rare traumatic laceration of a saphenous vein graft used for coronary artery bypass was successfully repaired. This case highlights a potential complication following chest trauma in patients with prior cardiac surgery.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Trauma Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) frequently utilizes the saphenous vein as a conduit.
- Complications involving grafts are typically related to thrombosis or atherosclerosis, not traumatic injury.
- Blunt chest trauma can pose unique risks to patients with cardiovascular implants.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old male patient with a history of CABG experienced a saphenous vein graft laceration.
- The injury occurred secondary to blunt force trauma to the chest.
- The patient presented with a significant retrosternal hematoma.
Findings:
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed a traumatic laceration of the saphenous vein graft.
- Surgical exploration revealed the extent of the vascular injury.
- Successful surgical repair of the lacerated saphenous vein graft was achieved.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of rare graft injuries from trauma, even years after CABG.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing such vascular emergencies.
- Awareness of this complication is important for trauma teams evaluating patients with prior cardiac surgery.
Abstract:
Traumatic laceration of a saphenous vein grafted for coronary artery bypass is extremely rare. Successful surgical repair of a laceration was performed in a 64-year-old man who developed retrosternal hematoma from a saphenous vein graft after blunt injury to the chest.