[Non-anastomotic Pseudoaneurysm due to Sternal Wire Removal After Ascending Aorta Grafting:Report of a Case].

Abstract

We report a rare case of a non-anastomotic pseudoaneurysm following ascending aortic replacement. A 73-year-old woman presented with anterior chest swelling after undergoing sternal wire removal due to suspected metal allergy. A pseudoaneurysm was identified on computed tomography (CT) at the site where the removed sternal wire had been in contact with the anterior surface of the vascular graft. Surgical repair with cardiopulmonary bypass identified a bleeding pinhole at the graft surface, successfully closed with a 4-0 monofilament mattress suture. This case suggests that prevention of such complications requires protective coverage of the graft with autologous tissue prior to chest closure, careful selection and handling of sternal wires, and thorough preoperative imaging evaluation before wire removal.