Video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of fractured ribs to prevent descending aorta injury in patient with chest trauma

Ann Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2014;20(2):173-4. doi: 10.5761/atcs.cr.12.02038. Epub 2012 Dec 26.

Abstract

Blunt chest trauma frequently leads to various complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and lung contusion. Since neighboring organ injury caused by a rib fracture with chest trauma could be fatal when a great vessel is involved, immediate diagnosis and treatment including surgery are important. Here, we present a case of chest trauma, in which we performed video-assisted thoracoscopic rib resection to prevent injury to the descending aorta by the fractured rib tip.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Aged
  • Aorta / injuries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Osteotomy / methods*
  • Rib Fractures / diagnosis
  • Rib Fractures / etiology
  • Rib Fractures / surgery*
  • Risk Factors
  • Thoracic Injuries / diagnosis
  • Thoracic Injuries / etiology
  • Thoracic Injuries / surgery*
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology
  • Vascular System Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / diagnosis
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / etiology
  • Wounds, Nonpenetrating / surgery*