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Int J Angiol 2005; 14(4): 258-259
DOI: 10.1007/s00547-005-2049-3
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Epi-aortic ultrasound for cannulating the true lumen of a thoracic dissection — A case report

Wanda M. Popescu1 , Gerard F. McCloskey1 , Paul G. Barash1 , John A. Elefteriades2
  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, New Heaven, Connecticut, USA
  • 2Department of Surgery, Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 April 2011 (online)

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Abstract

The application of epi-aortic ultrasound to identify and cannulate the true lumen of a dissecting descending thoracic aneurysm for which left atrial–femoral partial bypass was required is described. Because of scarring and inflammation, cannulation of the femoral artery could not be accomplished. For placement of the cannula in the descending aorta, we used an epi-aortic probe to identify the true lumen of the dissection and to direct the guidewire appropriately. The aortic cannula was passed over the wire and its position was also confirmed by ultrasound. Left atrial to descending aorta bypass was initiated without complications.