Fatal haemothorax following large-bore percutaneous cannulation before liver transplantation.
Percutaneous bypass catheters are routinely used for veno-venous bypass (VVBP) during orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The recognized risks include bleeding, injury of vascular and nerve structures and lymphatic leakage. We describe a case where there were difficulties during catheterization and the patient suffered a cardiac arrest on commencing VVBP. Post-mortem examination revealed the bypass catheter tip in the pleural space and a large right haemothorax. Possible mechanisms of vascular perforation and preventative measures are discussed.
Jankovic
Z
Z
Department of Anaesthesia, St James's University Hospital, UK. zorica.jankovic@leedsth.nhs.uk
Boon
A
A
Prasad
R
R
D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000209:etiology; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014683:Vena Cava, Superior / Q000293:injuries