Surgical treatment of pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta

Keep Ventilating the Lungs While the Heart is Still Ejecting on Femoro-femoral Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) followed by deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is one of the modalities used for ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm repair to achieve cardiac unloading and to avoid severe hemorrhage due to the risk of rupture during the sternal entry. However, due to the limited size of the cannulas, it can be challenging to achieve total cardiopulmonary support. Therefore, despite the achievement of total cardiopulmonary support, the heart may still be able to eject antegrade blood flow that meets the retrograde blood flow from the arterial side of the CPB. The point where the blood flow meets in the aorta is called the watershed area. If the antegrade blood flow is large due to a left ventricular ejection, the watershed area will be located in the descending aorta. Therefore, if ventilation is stopped, deoxygenated blood will be ejected to the cerebral circulation. Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may be used as a noninvasive and continuous measurement of regional brain oxygen saturation (rSO₂). This case demonstrates that cerebral desaturation due to discontinued mechanical ventilation, when the heart was still ejecting during the initial phase of femoro-femoral CPB, immediately was detected by a pronounced drop bilaterally: In the left frontal lobe, rSO₂ fell from 56% to 21%, and in the right frontal lobe it fell from 47% to 25%. The authors recommend monitoring cerebral saturation using NIRS in the case of femoro-femoral CPB.

Endovascular repair of a leaking aortic-arch pseudoaneurysm using graft stent combined with chimney protection to left common carotid artery: Case report and review of literature

Aortic pseudoaneurysm (PsA) is a rare but serious condition that has high mortality and morbidity rates if untreated. We report a rare case of leaking aortic-arch PsA repaired by thoracic endovascular aortic repair using graft stent with the chimney technique to protect the left common carotid artery. Unlike other cases in the literature, our case was unique, having leaking PsA not related to previous cardiac surgery or aortic dissection. The successful management of this patient using thoracic endovascular aortic repair combined with the chimney technique suggests that this approach may be an attractive therapeutic alternative to treat aortic-arch PsA.

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending thoracic aorta years after aortic valve replacement

Aortic pseudoaneurysm (PSA) formation post aortic valve replacement is one of the rare and devastating complications if left untreated. Aortic PSA can occur few weeks or month after surgery. The spectrum of symptoms varies from dyspnea, wide pulse pressure, and chest pain. However, in rare cases, aortic root PSA could be asymptomatic. Aortic PSA mortality could be as high as 70%, if left untreated. Therefore, High clinical suspicion and prompt surgical intervention is imperative. In this case, the patient presented with dyspnea years after Bentall procedure, and imaging studies revealed para-aortic PSA that was treated surgically.

Imaging of the Postsurgical Thoracic Aorta: A State-of-the-Art Review

Techniques for repair of the aorta currently include open and endovascular methods, hybrid approaches, minimally-invasive techniques, and aortic branch vessel reimplantation or bypass. Collaboration among radiologists and vascular and cardiothoracic surgeons is essential. An awareness of the various surgical techniques, expected postoperative appearance, and potential complications is essential for radiologists. This review will cover the postoperative appearance of the thoracic aorta with a focus on the ascending aorta. The value of three-dimensional image evaluation will also be emphasized.

The effect of proximal anastomosis on the expansion rate of a dilated ascending aorta in coronary artery bypass surgery: a prospective study

Background:

This study was designed to determine the short- and long-term effects of proximal aortic anastomosis, performed during isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with dilatation of the ascending aorta who did not require surgical intervention.

Methods:

The study was performed on 192 (38 female and 160 male patients; mean age, 62.1 ± 9.2 years; range, 42–80 years) patients with dilatation of the ascending aorta who underwent CABG surgery between 1 June 2006 and 31 May 2014. In group 1 (n = 114), the saphenous vein and left internal mammarian artery grafts were used, and proximal anastomosis was performed on the ascending aorta. In group 2 (n = 78), left and right internal mammarian artery grafts were used, and proximal aortic anastomosis was not performed. Pre-operatively and in the first and third years postoperatively, the ascending aortic diameter was measured and recorded using transthoracic echocardiography at four different regions (annulus, sinus of Valsalva, sinotubular junction and tubular aorta).

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found between the groups for the number of grafts used and the duration of aortic cross-clamping and cardiopulmonary bypass. No significant intergroup difference was seen for the mean diameter of the ascending aorta (p > 0.05). Annual changes in the aortic diameter were found to be extremely significantly different in both groups (p = 0.0001). Mean values of the aortic diameter at the level of the sinotubular junction and tubular ascending aorta, mean aortic diameters (p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively), annual increase in diameter (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively), and mean annual difference in diameter (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0001, respectively) at one and three years postoperatively were statistically significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion:

In patients with ascending aortic dilatation who did not require surgical intervention and who had proximal anastomosis of the ascending aorta and underwent only CABG, we detected statistically significant increases in the diameter of the sinotubular junction and tubular aorta up to three years postoperatively.

Pseudoaneurysm of the thoracic aorta following botulinum toxin injection to the esophagus

Aortic pseudoaneurysms are uncommon and are usually secondary to penetrating trauma. We describe the presentation and management of an elderly woman who suffered a pseudoaneurysm of the descending thoracic aorta several days after receiving botulinum toxin injection to the esophagus. Urgent thoracic endovascular aortic repair was performed, and long-term antibiotic therapy was commenced. Despite a slow initial clinical recovery, she returned to an independent lifestyle, with radiographic resolution of the pseudoaneurysm seen at follow-up. This case illustrates that endovascular aortic repair is a suitable and safe treatment option for this unusual presentation.

Fortune or misfortune: asymptomatic, delayed presentation of complete dehiscence of mechanical aortic valve conduit and pseudoaneurysm

Complete dehiscence of a composite aortic valve graft with pseudoaneurysm formation is a rare complication following aortic root replacement. This complication often takes place in the setting of acute graft infection and accompanies symptoms of heart failure, valve insufficiency or sepsis. We present a delayed, asymptomatic presentation of this complication in a young man with distant history of aortic root replacement and medically treated prosthetic valve endocarditis a year postoperatively. He had been non-adherent to warfarin over 10 years, but otherwise maintained a healthy life. After being lost to follow-up, he re-presented 12 years after the initial operation with new-onset seizures. Echocardiogram revealed complete dehiscence of a composite valved conduit at the proximal anastomosis site with a resultant large pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent an urgent re-operation with resection of the pseudoaneurysm and insertion of a tissue valved conduit. He had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery and promised close follow-up on discharge.

Transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for percutaneous closure of aortic pseudoaneurysm using a type II Amplatzer vascular plug: a case report

Aortic pseudoaneurysm after cardiac surgery is a rare entity, but it is potentially fatal due to its clinical course along with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Instead of open surgical repair, percutaneous procedures have been introduced as other options for managing an aortic pseudoaneurysm. In this case report, we describe transesophageal echocardiography guidance for successful percutaneous closure of an aortic pseudoaneurysm located in the left ventricular outflow tract by using a type II Amplatzer vascular plug in a patient in whom open surgical repair was not recommended.

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch: A rare case report of pulmonary cancer complication

BACKGROUND

Pseudoaneurysm of the aortic arch is uncommonly associated with cancer, and is extremely rare in pulmonary cancer. Here, we report an unusual and successfully treated case of aortic arch pseudoaneurysm in a male patient with lung squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

A 64-year-old male patient was admitted to the Emergency Department, presenting with massive hemoptysis (>500 mL blood during the 12 hours prior to treatment). The diagnosis of aortic arch pseudoaneurysm was confirmed after inspection of computed tomographic angiography and three-dimensional reconstruction. We processed the immediate endovascular stent-grafting for this patient.

RESULTS

This patient recovered with no filling or enlargement of the pseudoaneurysm, no episodes of hemoptysis, and no neurological complications during the 4-week follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Herein, we compare our case with other cancer-related pseudoaneurysms in the medical literature and summarize the clinical features and treatment of this unusual case.

Treatment of a pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta in association with aortopulmonary fistula following acute Type A dissection

This report describes a rare case of aortic pseudoaneurysm with an aortopulmonary fistula in a 69-year-old woman two years following repair of a Type A aortic dissection. The patient presented with NYHA Class IV symptoms having deteriorated rapidly over a course of six weeks. We describe our successful surgical repair following a failed attempt of percutaneous closure with an atrial septal occlusion device.

Case-report: endovascular treatment of aortic pseudo-aneurysm caused by Fishbone

Aortic pseudo-aneurysm (APA) is a rare disease in clinic. Because of its relative rarity, we are far from making any conclusion regarding the natural history and appropriate therapeutic strategy for this condition. This study is to investigate the treatment effect of interventional therapy in aortic pseudo-aneurysm. A woman of 68 years old diagnosed with APA caused by fishbone was treated with stent grafts. After treatment, the therapeutic effect was assessed by measuring the size of trauma. The patient recovered well after stent grafts treatment, as her trauma was minimal. However, some complications of intravascular interventional treatment were observed. Compared with conventional surgery, interventional therapy of intravascular stent grafts has its merits. Therefore, this strategy was worthy to apply in the treatment of aortic pseudo-aneurysm.

Complex pseudoaneurysm of ascending aorta: Unusual cause of right heart dysfunction-implications to the anesthesiologist

Pseudoaneurysm of ascending aorta (PAA) is a rare complication occurring after cardiac surgery. Because of rarity of the condition, most standard teaching and anesthetic literature do not highlight on these postoperative aortic complications. Right heart dysfunction associated with PAA is scarcely reported. We describe here two cases of PAA with right heart involvement and discuss the possible anesthetic challenges.

Ascending aortic false aneurysm formation associated with rupture of acute type a aortic dissection

A 63-year-old man with ruptured acute type A aortic dissection was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography showed a false aneurysm arising from the false lumen located beside the ascending aorta. His hemodynamic status was stable inspite of the ruptured acute aortic dissection. We consider that the containment of the false aneurysm by thin mediastinal structures prevented worsening of his hemodynamic status, and this is extremely rare.

Surgical exclusion of postsurgical pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta

Pseudoaneurysm of ascending aorta after cardiac surgery is rare in children. We report a case of successful surgical exclusion of ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in a 15-year-old boy. The neck of the aneurysm was in close proximity to the right coronary artery (RCA).

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta 31 years after mitral valve replacement

We describe a rare case of an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm 31 years after mitral valve replacement with a Björk-Shiley mechanical valve. The aneurysm presumably expanded gradually during the years following surgery. As the valve was functioning normally, it was left in situ while the ascending aorta was replaced. This report provides valuable information regarding the long-term nature of this patient's pseudoaneurysm, and the long-term durability of the Björk-Shiley spherical valve in the mitral position.

Safe sternal reentry in patients with large thoracic aortic pseudoaneurysms

Sternal reentry for ascending aorta pseudoaneurysm repair presents a formidable challenge because of the risk of aneurysm rupture and hemorrhage. We describe two cases of large pseudoaneurysms at high risk for rupture during sternal reentry in which the chest was safely entered by use of an anterior sternal retraction technique. Several other methods for sternal reentry have been reported; however, the reliability and efficiency of the described technique make it the preferred method for sternal reentry for pseudoaneurysms at our institution.

Hard to diagnose and potentially fatal: slow aortic erosion post spinal fusion

BACKGROUND

Delayed aortic injuries are a rare, but well-recognized complication of spinal surgery. They are a result of slow erosion of osteosynthesis material into the aorta. Although this is a life-threatening complication, patients might present years later with nonspecific symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

A complex case of slow aortic injury after thoracic spinal surgery is presented, which highlights the challenges involved in diagnosis and treatment.

CASE REPORT

A 62-year-old man had a T6 vertebrectomy and T5-7 anterior spinal fusion for multiple myeloma 5 years earlier. Two years postoperatively, the patient developed intermittent hemoptysis that triggered several presentations to the emergency department and consecutive hospital admissions during a 3-year period. All investigations, including endoscopy, bronchoscopy, and repeated chest computed tomography (CT) scans, were unremarkable. Eventually, the patient presented with frank hemoptysis associated with severe left-sided chest pain. Urgent CT angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm measuring 34 × 20 mm at the level of the vertebrectomy. The patient underwent emergency surgery and an endoluminal stent graft was successfully placed. The patient remains well after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The close proximity of the aorta and spine entertains the risk of aortic injury associated with vertebral osteosynthesis. Long-term complications of slow aortic erosion are extremely difficult to diagnose. The presented patient suffered from an undetected bronchio-aortic fistula with consecutive pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture. Awareness of slow aortic erosion is important for correct diagnostic pathways and subsequent early diagnosis to ensure a positive outcome for the patient.

MDCT evaluation of postoperative aortic root pseudoaneurysms: imaging pearls and pitfalls

OBJECTIVE

Aortic root pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially lethal complication after cardiac surgery. The objective of this article is to review the CT appearance of postoperative aortic root pseudoaneurysms, with emphasis on imaging pearls and pitfalls.

CONCLUSION

The most common location for postoperative aortic root pseudoaneurysm is the graft anastomosis site. MDCT with ECG gating and multiplanar and 3D reconstruction can provide critical information for preoperative planning.

Short-term Outcomes of Aortic Wrapping for Mild to Moderate Ascending Aorta Dilatation in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Background

The adequate management of mild to moderate dilatation of the ascending aorta during cardiac operations remains controversial. In this study, we present the short-term outcomes of 90 patients undergoing ascending aortic wrapping with a Dacron graft during other cardiac operations.

Materials and Methods

From March 2008 to January 2011, 90 consecutive patients underwent treatment for ascending aortic aneurysm using the external wrapping technique during the concomitant procedure. The study group consisted of 49 male and 41 female patients with a mean age of 58.7±13 years. The primary cardiac surgical procedures were coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 3, aortic valve replacement in 2, and aortic valvuloplasty in 85 patients (isolated in 62 and combined with CABG or mitral valvuloplasty in 23). The ascending aorta diameter was measured using a computed tomography scan within 4 weeks after surgery, and was compared with the preoperative value.

Results

The diameters of the ascending aorta wrapped with the Dacron graft were significantly reduced within a month after surgery from 46.4±4.3 mm to 33.0±3.5 mm (p<0.05). There was no early mortality or major surgical complication. During the mean follow-up period of 15.4±5.2 months, there was only one late death caused by septic multiorgan failure.

Conclusion

Dacron wrapping of the ascending aorta offers excellent results with very low mortality and morbidity, and it can be regarded as a safe and effective method for the treatment of moderately dilated ascending aorta in selected patients.

Postsurgical aortic false aneurysm: pathogenesis, clinical presentation and surgical strategy

Postsurgical aortic false aneurysm occurs in less than 0.5% of all cardiac surgical cases and its management is a challenge in terms of preoperative evaluation and surgical approach. Although infections are well recognized as risk factors, technical aspects of a previous operation may have a role in pseudoaneurysm formation. The risk factors and clinical presentation of pseudoaneurysms and the surgical strategy are revisited in this article.

Surgery for pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta under moderate hypothermia

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta is a rare complication after cardiac surgery. Particularly, pseudoaneurysm due to postoperative infection in the ascending aorta requires surgical treatment with antibiotics. If a large sized pseudoaneurysm is located at the retrosternal space, then there is a very high risk of massive bleeding from rupture during performance of resternotomy. To avoid this risk, we performed femoro-femoral bypass under moderate hypothermia with transient circulatory arrest, and we report here on the successful result of this case.

Thoracic aorta pseudoaneurysm with hemopericardium: unusual presentation of warfarin overdose

There have been few case reports which discuss a relationship between warfarin overdose and aortic pseudoaneurysm leakage. We report the case of a female receiving warfarin who presented with dsypnea. Her international normalized ratio was > 10. Chest radiograph revealed cardiomegaly, and chest computed tomography (CT) showed a bulging pouch-like lesion below the aortic arch greater than 6x6 cm in size and a fluid collection suggesting blood in the pericardium. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) was successfully performed by a cardiovascular surgeon. Aortic pseudoaneurysm formation and leakage may be considered as a rare complication in patients receiving warfarin therapy. Further study regarding warfarin use and the incidence of pseudoaneurysm leakage is needed.