An unusual complication: aortic graft perforation by a fractured rib after type B aortic dissection

Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2016 Aug;23(2):338-9. doi: 10.1093/icvts/ivw093. Epub 2016 Apr 27.

Abstract

Aortic injury caused by the penetration of a fractured rib is rare, but aortic graft penetration is even less common. This is a case report describing perforation of a Dacron aortic graft by the sharp margin of a displaced rib, which occurred after a thoracotomy. This case illustrates the importance of fixing fractured ribs.

Keywords: Aortic injury; Fractured rib; Graft perforation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aorta, Thoracic / injuries*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery*
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnosis
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery*
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reoperation
  • Rib Fractures / complications*
  • Rib Fractures / diagnosis
  • Rib Fractures / surgery
  • Thoracotomy / adverse effects*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Vascular System Injuries / diagnosis
  • Vascular System Injuries / etiology*