A Traumatic Thoracic Aorta Injury Case Saved by Helicopter Transport and Emergency Surgery

VernacularTitle:ヘリコプター搬送と緊急手術により救命しえた外傷性胸部大動脈損傷の1例
Author: Tetsuyuki Ueda ; Masami Sotokawa ; Minori Tateishi ; Saori Nagura ; Shuichi Hoshino ; Yasushi Nishiya
Publication Type:Journal Article
From:Japanese Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery 2009;38(4):244-247
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: This study reports a 38-year-old man who suffered traumatic thoracic aorta injury due to a fall accident during mountain climbing, and was saved by swift helicopter transport and emergency surgery. Approximately 2 h after the accident, the subject was brought to the hospital by the emergency helicopter transport service. Contrast-enhanced CT of the thorax and abdomen revealed leakage of the contrast medium from the aortic isthmus and a hematoma in the surrounding area. Thus, traumatic thoracic aorta injury was diagnosed and emergency surgery was performed. The patient went into a state of shock after being given anesthesia. Further rupture was diagnosed and a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy was performed immediately in order to control the hemorrhage. Concurrently, a partial cardio-pulmonary bypass was used. A lacerated foramen was observed across 1/3 of the lesser curvature of the aortic isthmus ; the affected site was replaced by a prosthetic graft. The postoperative recovery was generally uneventful, and the patient was discharged from the hospital 30 days after the operation.