Premium
Left innominate vein wrapping with Dacron sheath after thymectomy
Author(s) -
Kouerinis Ilias A.,
Demosthenous Mike,
Karagkiouzis Grigorios,
Karathanasis Ioannis
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of cardiac surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.428
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1540-8191
pISSN - 0886-0440
DOI - 10.1111/jocs.14346
Subject(s) - medicine , sternum , surgery , median sternotomy , vein , thymectomy , myasthenia gravis
Background Any type of radical thymectomy, open or thoracoscopic, always results in a skeletonized left innominate vein (LIV), which is highly expected to form adhesions to the posterior surface of the sternum. Therefore, in case of future sternotomy, the LIV remains highly exposed to trauma. Methods We describe a surgical technique that is expected to protect the innominate vein in case of future sternotomy. Results Our technique is not technically demanding, is easily reproducible, can be applied in both open and thoracoscopic procedures and does not significantly prolong the overall duration or cost of the procedure. Conclusions Our alternative is the only protective measure for the left innominate vein that can be applied in the first operation and in our opinion should be a standard part of the procedure.