Novel treatment of an 11-cm saphenous vein graft aneurysm

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Apr;87(4):1291-2. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.08.043.

Abstract

Saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysms are rare and potentially fatal complications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Here we present an 11-cm saphenous vein graft pseudoaneurysm from a 20-year-old vein graft to the obtuse marginal artery. The pseudoaneurysm was directly located beneath the sternum and adjacent to two patent grafts. Therefore, we used a novel approach to access the aorta through a right thoracotomy, and using a pericardial patch, we closed the ostia to the pseudoaneurysm. Postoperatively there was no longer flow into the aneurysm, and at 1-year follow-up the patient is doing well.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aneurysm, False / etiology
  • Aneurysm, False / surgery*
  • Coronary Artery Bypass / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Saphenous Vein*