VATS treatment of hemothorax and hemopericardium after cardiac surgery

Postoperative hemothorax and hemopericardium is a common complication after cardiac surgery. The coagulated blood leads to atelectasis, which influence the weaning of the patient and increase the postoperative mortality and morbidity. Due to the fact that it is not a free effusion, the treatment with a chest tube is usually unsuccessful. Re-Sternotomy on the other hand relevantly increases the risk of mediastinitis and sternum instability.