Subclavian artery compression from a chest tube after thoracotomy in a premature infant.

A premature baby underwent thoracotomy for repair of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, during which time a right chest tube was placed. In the immediate postoperative period, right subclavian artery occlusion was recognized and relieved by partial withdrawal of the chest tube, which had migrated high into the apex of the right hemithorax.