Critical Bleeding from the Stapled Stump of the Pulmonary Artery

Abstract

Many surgeons separate pulmonary arteries and veins using vascular stapling devices. However, unexpected catastrophic incidents can occur using this method. We experienced a case of critical bleeding from a tear located near the distal site of the stump of the first branch (common branch to the anterior and apical segment) of the left main pulmonary artery, while the patient was waking from general anesthesia after surgical manipulation. Surgeons should leave a stump length equal to half the diameter of the pulmonary artery and closely observe the chest drainage during changes in blood pressure when waking patients from general anesthesia.