A case of acute ascending aortic dissection from aortic clamp injury
Sugimura, S.; Kakihara, R.; Katsuragawa, K.; Okamoto, K.; Watanabe, K.
Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai 28(3): 470-473
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-4739 PMID: 6966668 Document Number: 160665
A 57 yr old male had an aortocoronary saphenous vein bypass graft to the left anterior descending artery. While performing proximal aortic anastomosis, the partial occlusion clamp had to be reapplied a few times due to the slipping up of the clamp. Shortly after chest closure, massive hemorrhage from the mediastinal drains prompted re-thoracotomy. A localized ascending aortic dissection was found at the site where the tangential occlusion clamp was applied. Under topical hypothermia the aorta was opened transversely across the site of the dissection and the aorta was reclosed with teflon felt buttresses on the inside and outside of the aorta. Reports of similar cases were reviewed and the etiology and treatment of the clamp injury are discussed.