Left ventricular postoperative false aneurysm following apical venting

Left Ventricular Apex Venting in High-Risk Redo Sternotomy With Severe Aortic Insufficiency: A Case Report

Redo cardiac surgery in patients with severe aortic insufficiency can present unique challenges to the anesthesiologist. We report a case highlighting the challenge and importance of interdisciplinary planning between cardiothoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists prior to high-risk surgery. Failure to place an endoaortic balloon and percutaneous coronary sinus catheter due to anatomical abnormalities prompted the adoption of an alternate technique involving apical ventricular venting to assist sternal reentry. Apical left ventricular venting was successfully used to prevent ventricular dilation and dysfunction during institution of cardiopulmonary bypass with significant aortic regurgitation and hypothermia-induced ventricular fibrillation.

Bilobar apical pseudoaneurysm after left ventricular venting in a Marfan's patient

A Marfan patient presented with a bilobar apical pseudoaneurysm after repeated surgery. These abnormalities were demonstrated by three-dimensional-echo, Doppler, and CT-reconstruction. The pseudoaneurysm was related to an apical venting procedure. In this case, a conservative approach was chosen, although in general, pseudoaneurysms form an indication for operative correction, because of the risk of rupture and acute tamponade.