Reoperation for a giant arch anastomotic pseudoaneurysm eleven years after total arch replacement with island reconstruction

BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of some surgical treatment procedures of arch replacement for aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm are unknown. CASE PRESENTATION: The present study reports the case of a 68-year-old man admitted to our hospital for aortic arch anastomotic pseudoaneurysm with concomitant aortic root enlargement and coronary artery stenosis. Eleven years ago, at the age of 56 years, he underwent total arch replacement with island reconstruction for chronic aortic dissection. We performed a second total arch replacement, aortic root replacement, and coronary artery bypass, using a cardiopulmonary bypass with cannulation through the right subclavian artery, femoral artery, and femoral vein prior to re-sternotomy. We also used selective cerebral perfusion. Postoperatively, the patient temporarily required reintubation; however, he was discharged in good condition on the fiftieth postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests that island reconstruction has the potential to cause arch anastomotic pseudoaneurysms, particularly after a long postoperative period.