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Updated: May 16, 2026

Synergizing Antegrade Endoscopic with Bridging Vein Harvesting for Improvement of Great Saphenous Vein Graft Quality from the Lower Leg
Published on: November 19, 2019
Hybrid Percutaneous Intervention for a Giant Saphenous Vein Graft Pseudoaneurysm
Mina Assad Ibrahim1, Christina Botrous2, Nancy Z K Wassef3
1Bristol Heart Institute, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, United Kingdom.
Background:
Saphenous vein graft (SVG) pseudoaneurysms are uncommon complications of coronary artery bypass grafting that may expand rapidly and cause compression or rupture.
Case Summary:
A 66-year-old man presented with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Coronary angiography showed a patent SVG supplying the obtuse marginal branch. Six months later, he re-presented with angina, and imaging revealed a giant 80-mm SVG pseudoaneurysm compressing the pulmonary artery. Laboratory evaluation including erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein was negative. The patient was a surgical turndown including redo sternotomy given high operative risk. A hybrid surgical-percutaneous approach using axillary access enabled deployment of covered and drug-eluting stents, successfully excluding the pseudoaneurysm while preserving graft patency.
Discussion:
SVG pseudoaneurysms are rare but potentially fatal. Management depends on rupture risk, myocardial jeopardy, and surgical feasibility. Percutaneous exclusion presents a viable alternative in high-risk surgical patients.
Take-Home Messages:
Percutaneous exclusion of SVG pseudoaneurysms may preserve graft patency in high-risk surgical patients. Hybrid access strategies and heart team collaboration are essential in patients with complex vascular anatomy.
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