Hemopneumothorax: complication of tunneler use in axillofemoral bypass.
Two cases of accidental entrance of the thorax with a vascular tunneler are reported. Passage of this instrument when performing axillofemoral bypass is probably safer when done in a cephalad-to-caudad direction. A counterincision at the costal margin may be helpful in avoiding the complication, especially when the tunneler is passed from the groin.
D000368:Aged; D001166:Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001366:Axillary Artery / Q000601:surgery; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000601:surgery; D006468:Hemopneumothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation