Early awaking of patients following FET allows early recognition of paraplegia with prospects for complete recovery using prompt spinal drainage

Igor Vendramin; Nunzio Davide de Manna; Sandro Sponga; Andrea Lechiancole; Massimo Sponza; Elisabetta Auci; Uberto Bortolotti; Ugolino Livi

doi:10.1007/s12055-021-01288-w

Early awaking of patients following FET allows early recognition of paraplegia with prospects for complete recovery using prompt spinal drainage

Indian J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2022 Mar;38(2):207-210. doi: 10.1007/s12055-021-01288-w. Epub 2021 Nov 30.

Authors

Igor Vendramin¹, Nunzio Davide de Manna¹, Sandro Sponga¹, Andrea Lechiancole¹, Massimo Sponza², Elisabetta Auci³, Uberto Bortolotti¹, Ugolino Livi^{1

4}

Affiliations

¹ Cardiothoracic Department, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
² Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
³ Department of Anesthesia, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy.
⁴ Department of Medical Area (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.

Abstract

We report a patient who presented with paraplegia after ascending aorta and arch replacement using the frozen elephant trunk technique. Immediate postoperatively cerebrospinal fluid drainage allowed successful reversal of spinal cord injury. Early awakening of patients following a frozen elephant trunk technique is mandatory because it allows recognition and treatment of this complication by prompt cerebrospinal liquor drainage.

Keywords: Aorta; Aortic dissection; Frozen elephant trunk; Paraplegia.

Publication types

Case Reports