Non-anastomotic vascular graft rupture detected by non-obstructive
aortic angioscopy: a case report
Abstract
Non-anastomotic graft rupture in contemporary vascular prostheses is
extremely rare and difficult to diagnose. We report a case of
non-anastomotic vascular graft rupture diagnosed using non-obstructive
aortic angioscopy. An 85-year-old male who underwent total arch
replacement five years prior presented to our institution with chest
pain. Based on contrast-enhanced angio-computed tomography and aortic
angiography, we suspected extravasation of the thoracic vascular graft.
Assessment of the vascular graft of the ascending aorta using aortic
angioscopy revealed a red vascular graft defect. Non-anastomotic graft
rupture was diagnosed by aortic angioscopy. The patient underwent
2-debranching thoracic endovascular aortic repair (Zone 0) with right
subclavian artery-left common carotid artery-left subclavian artery
bypass. Completion angiography and postoperative computed tomography
showed the disappearance of the extravasation. Aortic angioscopy can
help reach a definitive diagnosis in patients with graft rupture.