Late Leakage of the Aortic Stump After Removal of an Infected Graft

Abstract

The residual stump after excision of an infected aortic graft may be subject to acute blowout due to chronic mechanical stress on a weak arterial wall. We present a case of late aortic stump disruption that required revision after 12 months from graft removal. Our strategy consisted of avoiding reexposure of the pararenal aorta by creating a new supraceliac stump with healthy aortic wall after antegrade visceral debranching. This case confirms the need for long-term surveillance of aortic stumps. The use of a supraceliac approach minimizes the risk of intraoperative blowout and postoperative disruption.