Abstract
We report an unusual cause of prolonged chylothorax drainage after Norwood stage one reconstruction. This 1-month-old girl's chylous drainage was refractory to medical treatment. Echocardiography revealed thrombosis of the superior vena cava. Upon sternotomy to remove the thrombus, we were surprised to find the ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) tube previously used for selective cerebral perfusion compressing the innominate vein and the pericardium-based aortic arch. We performed a superior vena cava thrombectomy and shortened the ePTFE tube. Her chylothorax subsided gradually. We suggest that external compression of the venous drainage system should be considered in patients with prolonged chylothorax drainage. Once medical treatment fails, early surgical exploration may be helpful to stop the chylothorax.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.