Major Vascular Injuries in Elective Thoracic Surgery: A 10-Year Single-Center Experience

This study retrospectively examines major vascular injuries that occurred during elective thoracic surgeries over a 10-year period at a single tertiary care center. Although these injuries are rare, they can lead to life-threatening complications. The study aims to determine how often these injuries happen, what causes them, and how they are managed during surgery. It also evaluates the role of preoperative imaging and planning, including cardiovascular surgery team involvement, in preventing or managing these events. The findings are intended to help improve surgical safety and guide future preventive strategies.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who underwent elective thoracic surgery between January 2015 and December 2024 * Development of a major intraoperative vascular injury during surgery * Injury involving central vessels such as the subclavian artery or vein, brachiocephalic vein, innominate artery or vein, superior vena cava (SVC), or thoracic aorta * Availability of complete operative and postoperative medical records * Underwent surgical repair of the vascular injury (e.g., grafting, primary repair, ligation) Exclusion Criteria: * Patients undergoing emergency thoracic surgery * Injuries limited to pulmonary artery or its branches * Minor bleeding from peripheral vessels that did not require major intervention * Postoperative vascular complications (e.g., delayed hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm) * Missing or incomplete operative records