Resisting arrest: Perioperative confirmation and management of an iatrogenic aortocoronary arteriovenous fistula after coronary artery bypass grafting for redo cardiac surgery

Abstract

Although rare, iatrogenic aortocoronary arteriovenous fistulae (ACAVF) occur when a coronary graft is mistakenly anastomosed to an epicardial vein rather than its intended arterial target. Patients may be asymptomatic, demonstrate angina, dyspnea, arrhythmias, syncope, or diminished exercise capacity, and may have wide pulse pressures with evidence of coronary steal. A thorough insight into the disordered anatomy is critical to safely manage a patient for redo cardiac surgery, especially when attempting to arrest the heart. We present a case for redo cardiac surgery of an iatrogenic ACAVF confirmed perioperatively with multiple modalities and its intraoperative management.

Keywords

• bypass graft
• coronary artery bypass surgery
• coronary artery fistula