Tailored approaches for transcatheter closure of postsurgical pseudoaneurysms from the ascending aorta and...

Ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms following open-heart surgery are treated by redo surgery or endovascular therapy when surgical risks are high. Extreme variations in their morphology, proximity to coronary and arch branches and vascular access may vary the timing, strategy, device choice, and technique in each patient. Three patients with varying etiology, presentations, and morphology of the pseudoaneurysms underwent successful endovascular exclusion by individually tailored strategies. The approach includes optimal treatment of the underlying infections before the endovascular intervention despite the emergency to treat the condition; choosing appropriate device depending on the proximity to aortic branches, choosing appropriate access depending on the angulation of the entry of pseudoaneurysm to the aortic lumen, and use of adequate imaging for achieving procedural success. <Learning objective: A tailored approach for transcatheter closure of postsurgical ascending aortic pseudoaneurysms should include: 1 Optimal infection control before the intervention. 2 Choosing nitinol occluders in high-flow aneurysms; vascular plugs and coils for residual leaks; and embolic protection for high clot burden. 3 Choice of femoral, brachial, or transapical access is decided based on angulation of the aneurysm with ascending aorta. 4 Meticulous planning of the interventions based on advanced three-dimensional imaging.>.