Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block And Asystole After Lung Resection: A Rare Complication

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Anesthesiology

Background:

• Surgical resection is the primary treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
• Despite advancements, cardiopulmonary complications significantly contribute to postoperative morbidity and mortality.
• Minimally invasive techniques like video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) are increasingly utilized.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing right VATS for NSCLC experienced an uneventful procedure.
• On postoperative day one, the patient developed complete atrioventricular (AV) block and a 6-second asystolic event.
• This rare complication occurred despite the absence of intraoperative issues.

Findings:

• Pharmacological management was initiated promptly following the cardiac event.
• A permanent pacemaker was successfully implanted on postoperative day three.
• The patient's cardiac rhythm stabilized post-pacemaker implantation.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe, life-threatening cardiac complications after lung resection, even with VATS.
• Highlighting such rare events is crucial for improving vigilance and management strategies in thoracic surgery.
• Prompt recognition and intervention, including pacemaker insertion, can lead to favorable patient outcomes.