Homograft patch repair for hemorrhagic mediastinitis.

Felger, M C; Miller, O L; Calhoon, J H; Sako, E Y; Johnson, S B; Wittpenn, G P; Trinkle, J K · Ann Thorac Surg · 1995

case_report · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Hemorrhage from the heart and great vessels is a potentially lethal complication of post-sternotomy mediastinitis. We report 2 cases in which a cryopreserved descending thoracic aortic homograft was used successfully to repair defects of the ascending aorta and right ventricle in the setting of active mediastinal infection. An overview of mediastinitis and management strategies for life-threatening mediastinal bleeding is included.

Medical subject headings