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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1982; 30(3): 191-193
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1022243
Case Report

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Fatal Iatrogenic Exsanguination from Pleural Drain Insertion into the Inferior Cava

A. Eriksson
  • Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Umeå, Sweden
Further Information

Publication History

1982

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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See also:

Unintentional Placement of Pleural Drain in the Hepatic VeinThorac Cardiovasc Surg 1982; 30(06): 412-412
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1022436

Summary

A case of fatal exsanguination due to perforation of the liver and the inferior caval vein by an intercostal drain is described. The importance of personally studying the X-rays preoperatively, of choosing the correct intercostal space, and of not withdrawing more than 1,000 to 1,500 ml of fluid at one time, is stressed.

Key words

Hepatic damage - Malinsertion into inferior cava - Pleural drain