DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2015.v03i05.018

Pages: 1896-1899

Chest tube thoracostomy is often a lifesaving procedure as well pericardial drainage for pericardium effusion. Unfortunately, these procedures are also associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Authors reported 2 cases of major cardiac and vascular complications. Inadequate training and lack of experience lead to severe complications with injury of the heart or great vessels. For chest tube drainage, Trocar technique is known to be more dangerous than blunt chest dissection. Anatomical deformities and modifications can also increase the risk of major injuries of chest drainage. Pulmonary artery perforation following chest tube insertion is a rare and serious complication. Management of these major emergencies should be fast and adequate. In pulmonary wound case, use of cardiopulmonary bypass allows good hemodynamic and efficient perfusion while repair is done securely. Cardiopulmonary bypass is not always necessary to get perfect hemostasis. For cardiac injury, excellent repair and perfect hemostasis could be obtained without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass.