Successful conservative management with positive end-expiratory pressure for massive haemothorax complicating pacemaker implantation.
Haemothorax resulting from injury to a great vessel is a potential complication during transvenous pacemaker implantation that can be caused by perforation by the electrode. If the amount of bleeding is massive, control needs thoracotomy. We report on a 70-year-old man who had a massive haemothorax following transvenous pacemaker implantation. This complication was controlled successfully by using positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). We conclude that this simple but reproducible experience may offer effective haemostasis for a massive haemothorax caused by transvenous catheter perforation.
Lai
Chao-Han
CH
Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Chen Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Chen
Ju-Yi
JY
Wu
Hsuan-yin
HY
Wen
Jih-Sheng
JS
Yang
Yu-Jen
YJ
D000368:Aged; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000628:therapy; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004322:Drainage; D004567:Electrodes, Implanted / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation / Q000009:adverse effects*