Late Leakage of the Aortic Stump After Removal of an Infected Graft: Successful Surgical Treatment

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.

Keywords: aortic stump; aortic stump blowout; aortic stump follow-up; aortic stump revision; supraceliac aortic stump.