Publication Date
4-16-2024
Journal
The Texas Heart Institute Journal
DOI
10.14503/THIJ-22-8077
PMID
38623730
Publication Date(s)
January-June, 2024
Language
English
PMCID
PMC11075500
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
4-16-2024
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-Print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
Male, Humans, Aged, Chylothorax, Thoracic Duct, Postoperative Complications, Embolization, Therapeutic, Aorta, Thoracic
Copyright
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Chylothorax after cardiac surgery is a rare complication associated with severe morbidity and mortality. This report documents successful treatment with percutaneous thoracic duct embolization for chylothorax after total arch replacement. A 69-year-old man underwent replacement of the aortic arch to treat a ruptured aortic aneurysm. After surgery, the left thoracic drain discharged 2,000 to 3,000 mL serosanguineous fluid per day, even though the patient took nothing orally and was administered subcutaneous octreotide therapy. On postoperative day 9, percutaneous thoracic duct embolization was performed, and the drain could be removed. The chylothorax did not recur, and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 17.