Single port thoracoscopic diaphragm plication: A novel treatment approach to bilateral phrenic nerve palsy and diaphragm paralysis.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration. Bilateral paralysis of the diaphragm due to phrenic nerve palsy causes severe dyspnoea and is life threatening. Diaphragmatic Plication has shown great promise in treating diaphragm paralysis and has evolved as operative treatment from an open thoracotomy to multiport and robotic video assisted thoracoscopic surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a case of idiopathic bilateral diaphragm paralysis resulting significant deterioration in lung function tests, supplemental oxygen, and ventilator dependence. The patient was treated with a 2-stage operative plication of each hemidiaphragm through a 2.5 cm single incision thoracoscopic technique, which resulted in normalization of lung function tests, elimination of oxygen dependence and negligible analgesia requirements. CASE DISCUSSION: This is the first case reported in the literature of a single port VATS plication of the diaphragm for the treatment of bilateral phrenic nerve palsy. Surgery, specifically diaphragm plication, is indicated for patients with significant symptoms and persistent paralysis. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has evolved from open operations to smaller incisions, offering improved lung function, postoperative pain, hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality. CONCLUSION: Single port diaphragmatic plication is a novel approach to the treatment of bilateral phrenic nerve palsy. We make the case for indication of the technique for treatment of diaphragmatic paralysis.

Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Ruptured Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm.

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupture is a potentially fatal condition that requires urgent surgical intervention. We report a case of right sinus of Valsalva aneurysm rupture into the right atrium in a patient with a monocuspid aortic valve successfully managed with femoral venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation after pulseless electrical activity cardiac arrest to facilitate complete surgical repair. The patient made a full recovery and was discharged home with no neurologic deficit and had no limitations at the 1-year follow-up. This case highlights the utility of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in facilitating successful surgical repair when patients present in extremis.