Intraoperative iatrogenic aortic dissection

Iatrogenic aortic dissection is rare but remains a lethal complication in cardiac surgery despite advances in surgical technology. The crisis associated with iatrogenic aortic dissection highlights the importance of using extreme caution. We experienced an iatrogenic aortic dissection during an elective ascending aortic replacement procedure for an ascending aortic aneurysm. After a cardiac surgery fellow placed the aortic cannula in the ascending aorta, pulsatility in the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit was confirmed. Cardiopulmonary bypass was initiated following the placement of the venous cannula., The iatrogenic aortic dissection was unexpectedly detected 4 minutes after the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, as revealed by transoesophageal echocardiography. Cardiopulmonary bypass was discontinued immediately. To establish secured cardiopulmonary bypass, we performed ultrasound-guided guidewire cannulation, targeting the true lumen in the dissected ascending aorta. An alternative aortic cannula was placed over the wire into the true lumen. Then cardiopulmonary bypass was resumed, and we proceeded with the remaining steps of the operation. The patient recovered without complications and was discharged on postoperative day 8. The intraoperative video captured the ongoing bluish discoloration and dilatation of the ascending aorta at the initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Because cannulation procedures are often performed by surgical fellows for educational purposes, this case report serves as a valuable learning tool. The repair strategy we used offers a promising and reliable alternative option.