Complicated acute aortic dissection type B caused by femoral cannulation for endoscopic coronary artery bypass

Tatiana Fleck1, Wilfried Wisser, Manfred Cejna

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Vienna, Austria. t9204604@hotmail.com

Insights

Endovascular repair successfully treated acute aortic dissection following endoscopic coronary artery bypass surgery. This intervention restored blood flow to vital organs and limbs, preventing further complications.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass (CAB) surgery, particularly minimally invasive endoscopic techniques, carries potential risks.
  • Iatrogenic aortic dissection is a rare but serious complication that can arise during vascular access procedures.

Observation:

  • A 63-year-old male developed acute aortic type B dissection extending from the left subclavian to iliac arteries after femoral artery cannulation for endoscopic CAB surgery.
  • The dissection compromised flow to lower extremities and critical visceral and renal arteries, originating from the false lumen.
  • The left subclavian artery was also dissected, impacting flow to the left internal mammary artery bypass.

Findings:

  • Emergent endovascular stent-graft placement was performed to seal the primary entry tear.
  • Stent-grafts were strategically placed to re-establish perfusion to the lower extremities, visceral, and renal organs.
  • Additional stent-grafts addressed the left subclavian artery dissection and the inferior mesenteric artery originating from the false lumen.

Implications:

  • Endovascular techniques offer a viable and emergent treatment option for complex iatrogenic aortic dissections.
  • Prompt intervention can successfully restore perfusion to vital organs and prevent limb ischemia in these challenging cases.
  • This case highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness for managing vascular complications during minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
Abstract