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Aortocaval fistula treated by aortic exclusion
1Department of Surgery, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Camden, NJ 08103, USA.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Aortocaval fistulas, a rare complication of abdominal aortic aneurysms, pose significant surgical challenges. This case highlights aortic exclusion as a novel surgical approach for treating these complex fistulas.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Aortic Aneurysm Research
- Gastrointestinal Surgery
Background:
- Aortocaval fistulas are rare, occurring in 2-4% of spontaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures.
- Literature review identified 159 previously reported cases of aortocaval fistulas.
- Spontaneous rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm into the vena cava presents a critical surgical emergency.
Observation:
- A patient presented with an abdominal aortic aneurysm that had ruptured into the vena cava.
- The aortocaval fistula was identified intraoperatively.
- Primary fistula closure was not feasible during surgery.
Findings:
- Aortic exclusion was successfully employed as the surgical treatment.
- This represents the first reported instance of using aortic exclusion for aortocaval fistula.
Implications:
- Aortic exclusion offers a viable alternative surgical strategy for aortocaval fistulas when primary closure fails.
- This case expands the surgical armamentarium for managing complex vascular emergencies.
- Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term outcomes of aortic exclusion in treating aortocaval fistulas.