Exceptional life threatening complication 19 years after Ravitch correction of pectus excavatum

Ravitch technique of chest correction has been considered, although invasive, as safe and efficacious surgical method. We describe a case of 35-year-old woman with cardiac tamponade and in cardiogenic shock due to exceptional late complication after pectus excavatum reconstruction by means of classic Ravitch technique 19 years earlier. This very late adverse event was caused by broken metal sternal wire that injured the wall of the ascending aorta. Patient underwent salvage repair of this segment of aorta in cardiopulmonary bypass. Postoperative course and post-discharge 3-year follow-up have been uneventful.