Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Use of a Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Device/Left Atrium to Femoral Artery Bypass System for Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: August 16, 2021
Giant saphenous vein graft aneurysm causing left atrial compression and cardiogenic shock
Chee Yuan Ng1, Steven Stevens, Mamta Buch
1Division of Cardiology and Cedars Sinai Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Insights
A rare giant saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysm after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery caused left atrial compression. Despite stent treatment, the patient died from cardiogenic shock and sepsis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Cardiology
Background:
- Saphenous vein graft aneurysm is a rare but serious complication following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
- Management of these pseudoaneurysms is challenging due to their potential for catastrophic outcomes.
Observation:
- A 72-year-old female patient with a history of CABG presented with chest pain.
- Imaging revealed a giant saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysm compressing the left atrium.
Findings:
- The pseudoaneurysm was successfully excluded using a covered stent.
- Despite intervention and supportive care, including an intra-aortic balloon pump, the patient developed cardiogenic shock and sepsis.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical nature of saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysms.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial, though outcomes can remain poor.
- Further research into preventative and therapeutic strategies for these rare complications is warranted.
Abstract:
Saphenous vein graft aneurysm is a rare complication of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery that is challenging to manage and is associated with catastrophic consequences. We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with prior CABG surgery who presented with chest pain and was found to have a giant saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysm. Further evaluation revealed that a vein graft pseudoaneurysm was causing significant compression of the left atrium. The pseudoaneurysm was successfully excluded from the blood flow with a covered stent; however, despite intra-aortic balloon pump and supportive therapy, the patient succumbed to cardiogenic shock and sepsis.
Related Concept Videos
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
Overview of Systemic Veins
The coronary sinus, the heart's principal vein, resides in the coronary sulcus on the heart's posterior aspect. This broad venous channel receives nearly all venous blood from the myocardium, the heart muscle. It is fed by three primary veins: the great cardiac vein, the middle...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
