Aortic Repair Through a Left Thoracotomy in a 12-Year-Old Child with Traumatic Aortic Pseudoaneurysm: A Case Report

Kan Wang1, Wenliu Xu2, Chaojie Wang3

  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Second Clinical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China. wangkan@gzucm.edu.cn.

The Heart Surgery Forum
|January 5, 2023
PubMed

Insights

A rare traumatic descending aortic pseudoaneurysm in a child was successfully treated with a novel surgical repair technique. This alternative strategy avoided implants and ensured a full recovery, offering hope for similar pediatric cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Trauma Surgery

Background:

  • Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the descending aorta is a rare, life-threatening condition in children.
  • Surgical options like open replacement and endovascular repair are infrequently reported in pediatric cases.
  • Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent aortic rupture.

Observation:

  • A 12-year-old child presented with a traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the descending aorta.
  • The condition posed a significant risk of aortic rupture.
  • Existing treatment modalities for children were limited.

Findings:

  • An alternative surgical strategy was employed, involving aortic repair without an implant.
  • The procedure was performed via left thoracotomy with the assistance of distal perfusion.
  • The child experienced a satisfactory recovery and was discharged in good condition.

Implications:

  • This case demonstrates the feasibility and success of an implant-free surgical repair for pediatric aortic pseudoaneurysms.
  • The described technique offers a valuable alternative for managing rare traumatic aortic injuries in children.
  • Further research into this approach may improve outcomes for pediatric trauma patients with aortic injuries.