Innovative Approach: Foley Catheter Balloon Tamponade for Controlling Pulmonary Artery Bleeding in Redo Thoracic Surgery

Main Content Sections:

The Challenges of Redo Thoracic Surgery

Redo thoracotomies come with increased risks due to dense adhesions, distorted anatomical structures, and a higher likelihood of intraoperative bleeding. Traditional hemostatic measures may not be feasible in such cases, necessitating alternative methods to control bleeding effectively.

Case Study: Foley Catheter as a Hemostatic Solution

A 65-year-old female patient undergoing a redo thoracotomy for completion lobectomy experienced significant pulmonary artery bleeding that could not be controlled by conventional methods. Given the dense adhesions and the inability to achieve proximal control, surgeons opted for a novel approach—using a Foley catheter for balloon tamponade.

Key Findings:

  • The catheter was inserted through the defect in the pulmonary artery and inflated, achieving temporary hemostasis.
  • A purse-string suture was applied around the artery while gradually deflating the balloon, leading to successful repair.
  • The strategy allowed for the avoidance of cardiopulmonary bypass and minimized further surgical trauma.

Broader Medical Implications

Strategic Link Placement:

Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.

You may provide us with the feedback in the comments section.