Endovascular stenting for treatment of a left internal mammary artery pseudoaneurysm following redo-sternotomy: a case report.

ABSTRACT

An 85-year-old gentlemen with a history of previous triple vessel coronary bypass grafting presented with severe aortic stenosis and occlusion of the previous saphenous vein grafts but with patent left internal mammary artery (LIMA)-left anterior descending. The patient underwent uncomplicated repeat sternotomy and aortic valve replacement with repeated coronary bypass. On post-operative day 21 the patient was successfully resuscitated from a pulseless electrical activity (PEA) arrest, and was found to have a 1-cm pseudoaneurysm of the left internal mammary artery at the level of sternomanubrial junction with associated hemothorax. The LIMA remained patent and a pinhole source of extravasation was discovered by angiography at the aneurysmal site. The defect was successfully repaired by endovascular implant of a 3.5 mm × 12 mm Graft Master covered stent (Abbott Vascular). The patient recovered well from the procedure without further complications and was discharged after a total of 48 days of hospital stay. Our experience confirms the feasibility of repairing post-operative pseudoaneurysm in the internal mammary artery by endovascular stent grafting, thereby avoiding the risks and complications of a repeat open chest procedure.