Postpneumonectomy syndrome treated with an air infusion through a central vein (CV) port
Kitamura, Y.; Sakakura, N.; Uchida, T.; Suyama, M.
Kyobu Geka. Japanese Journal of Thoracic Surgery 64(13): 1145-1147
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-5252 PMID: 22242290 Document Number: 654114
A 65-year-old woman underwent a right pneumonectomy 3 years before, because of lung cancer. Two years and 9 months after the operation, she developed a productive cough and complained of dyspnea At that time, the chest X-ray film showed a remarkable mediastinal shift to the right and herniation of the left lung. The computed tomography (CT) scan showed a marked rightward and posterior deviation of the mediastinum, and severe stenosis of the left main bronchus. A 18 gauge-silicon catheter was inserted into the right pleural cavity in order to inject air and 100 ml of air was infused through it. Immediately after injection, she was relieved from severe symptoms. A central vein (CV) port was implanted in the subcutaneous tissue at the right chest wall for periodic infusion of air with safety and ease.