Subclavian artery branch ligation reduces hemorrhage during resection of pulmonary aspergilloma

Treatment of a 71-year-old woman with recurrent massive hemoptysis secondary to an aspergilloma and pleural aspergillosis is reported. Branches of the subclavian artery were ligated using an anterior approach before performing the thoracotomy, and pleuropneumonectomy was accomplished after ligation of the costal arteries. This technique provided a relatively bloodless field and minimized blood loss.