Aorto-coronary vein fistula. A complication of coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
We report two cases of the inadvertent insertion of a saphenous vein bypass graft into the anterior cardiac vein creating an aortocoronary vein fistula. The clinical recognition, evaluation, and management are discussed. Suggestions on surgical technique to help minimize or eliminate this potential complication during saphenous vein bypass surgery are proposed.
D000368:Aged; D001018:Aortic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged