Phrenic nerve injury during cardiac surgery: mechanisms, management and prevention.
Phrenic nerve injury is a well-recognised complication of cardiac surgery that can lead to disabling effects from diaphragmatic dysfunction, especially in children and patients with a history of chronic obstructive airway disease. Various mechanisms of injury have been recognised including hypothermia, mechanical trauma and possibly ischaemia. A clear understanding of these mechanisms is important in order to modify surgical techniques to prevent this serious complication of cardiac surgery.
Cardiac Surgical Research Unit, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
Victor J
VJ
Aguirre
Priyanka
P
Sinha
Adam
A
Zimmet
Geraldine A
GA
Lee
Lachlan
L
Kwa
Franklin
F
Rosenfeldt
D000293:Adolescent; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000293:injuries*
Cold cardioplegia; Diaphragmatic paralysis; Ice slush; Internal mammary artery; Pericardiacophrenic artery; Phrenic nerve