ABSTRACT
Leriche syndrome is often complicated with ischemic heart disease (IHD). In such cases, as the internal mammary artery (IMA) supplies blood to the lower-limbs through a collateral network, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using IMA is considered to worsen the lower-limb ischemia and use of intra-aortic balloon pumping prior to lower limb revascularization is not possible. Recent advances in endovascular technology enable us to perform endovascular treatment (EVT) even in Leriche syndrome. In 3 patients diagnosed with Leriche syndrome associated with IHD, tailor-made treatments were performed as one-stage or two-stage surgeries. Various techniques such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), CABG, and open surgical revascularization or EVT of lower limbs were employed. EVT is a less invasive and more attractive alternative to open surgical revascularization, it led to new treatment options in patients with this particular circumstance. Considering the severity of pathophysiology, treatment strategy should be determined on a case-by-case basis.
ABSTRACT
A 60-year-old man underwent aortic valve replacement for aortic valve regurgitation, tricuspid valve annuloplasty, and coronary artery bypass grafting. Postoperative echocardiography revealed shunted flow from the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva into the left atrium. The pathogenesis of this complication is considered to be uncertain ; however, it might be due to some kind of intraoperative injury. Three weeks after the initial surgery, we reoperated to repair the aorto-left atrial fistula. According to the intraoperative findings, small slits were found on the left atrial surface close to the posteromedial side of the mitral valve and the noncoronary sinus of Valsalva. The fistula was closed with transmural mattress sutures. Post-operative echocardiography showed no shunt flow. Although an aorto-left atrial fistula is a rare complication after aortic valve replacement, reoperation might be mandatory if the shunt flow is considerable. Surgeons should keep in mind the possibility of intraoperative injury to surrounding structures when performing aortic valve replacement.