Robotic-Assisted Coil Embolization of Ascending Aortic Pseudoaneurysm

A 62-year-old man with coronary artery disease and ischemic cardiomyopathy after coronary artery bypass grafting and insertion of a HeartMate II (Thoratec, Pleasanton, CA) left ventricular assist device (LVAD) presented with spontaneous incisional bleeding and an ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm. Aortic angiography revealed an anomalous connection between the pseudoaneurysm and the LVAD conduit. We were able to partially embolize the tract with standard techniques, but the patient returned with repeated bleeding. Using the additional stability and control afforded by the Magellan Robotic System (Hansen Medical, Mountain View, CA), a remotely steerable catheter, we were able to cannulate and completely embolize the pseudoaneurysm and occlude the anomalous tract.