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Homograft patch repair for hemorrhagic mediastinitis
M C Felger1, O L Miller, J H Calhoon
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7841, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Post-sternotomy mediastinitis can cause lethal hemorrhage. Cryopreserved aortic homografts successfully repaired ascending aorta and right ventricle defects in two patients with active mediastinal infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Post-sternotomy mediastinitis is a serious complication following heart surgery.
- Hemorrhage from the heart and great vessels is a life-threatening risk associated with mediastinitis.
Observation:
- Two cases of active mediastinal infection presented with severe bleeding.
- Defects involved the ascending aorta and the right ventricle.
Findings:
- Successful repair was achieved using a cryopreserved descending thoracic aortic homograft.
- This homograft served as a conduit for reconstruction in both cases.
Implications:
- Cryopreserved aortic homografts offer a viable solution for complex cardiac and great vessel repairs during active mediastinal infections.
- This approach may improve outcomes for patients facing life-threatening mediastinal bleeding after sternotomy.