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[Pseudoaneurysm of saphenous vein graft after CABG]

T Nakamura1, M Shimamoto, F Yamazaki

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shizuoka City Hospital, Japan.

Insights

A patient developed shock and cardiac arrest after re-administration of aprotinin during a second surgery for a coronary artery bypass grafting pseudoaneurysm. This suggests a potential anaphylactic reaction to aprotinin.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Anesthesiology
  • Surgical Complications

Background:

  • A 69-year-old male with angina and thoracic descending aorta aneurysm underwent staged surgical repair.
  • Initial surgery included coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with saphenous vein grafts (SVGs).
  • A pseudoaneurysm in a SVG was detected postoperatively, necessitating further intervention.

Observation:

  • During the second operation for pseudoaneurysm repair and aortic graft replacement, aprotinin was re-administered.
  • The patient experienced sudden shock and cardiac arrest approximately 30 minutes after anesthesia induction.
  • Intraoperative findings revealed a bleeding SVG pseudoaneurysm and a dislodged hemostatic clip.

Findings:

  • The pseudoaneurysm was attributed to the displacement of a hemostatic clip near a SVG side branch.
  • The patient's shock and cardiac arrest were suspected to be an anaphylactic reaction to the re-administered aprotinin.
  • Surgical intervention included partial cardiopulmonary bypass, median sternotomy, and repair of the bleeding SVG.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a potential risk of anaphylaxis with repeated aprotinin administration in cardiovascular surgery.
  • Careful patient monitoring and consideration of alternative hemostatic agents may be warranted.
  • Understanding the link between hemostatic clips and SVG complications is crucial for preventing pseudoaneurysms.

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