The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Vol 81, 564-568, Copyright © 1981 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and The Western Thoracic Surgical Association
Surgical approach to extensive suppurative thrombophlebitis of the central veins of the chest
RE Winn, KL Tuttle and DN Gilbert
Suppurative thrombophlebitis is a potentially lethal intravascular
infection associated with the usage of intravenous catheters. Conventional
approaches to management include ligation and excision of involved venous
structures. These measures may not be feasible in all situations. This
paper describes the successful medical/surgical management of a patient
with suppurative thrombophlebitis of the major vessels of the chest. When
suppurative thrombophlebitis extends into the large central veins and
antibiotic therapy fails, surgical intervention may be necessary.