Protruding coronary stent detected by transesophageal echocardiography changes surgical procedure

This case describes an unusual intraoperative transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) finding of an unknown sinus of Valsalva mass in a patient undergoing an off-pump coronary artery bypass procedure. The intraoperative TEE finding not only revealed a protruding right coronary ostial stent but also changed the surgical procedure to include an aortotomy that allowed successful removal of the stent. As interventional cardiologists begin exploring more techniques to manage difficult ostial lesions, this finding may be seen more commonly in the future. This case highlights how the use of routine TEE even in off-pump coronary artery bypass procedures may be very beneficial.