Pseudoaneurysm of the Thoracoabdominal Aortic Graft Due to Intercostal Nerve Block

Pseudoaneurysms of the descending aorta after open graft replacement usually occur in patients with connective tissue disorders and form at anastomotic or cannulation sites. We present a case of an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm in the descending thoracic aortic graft body caused by intercostal nerve block. The patient had undergone repair for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm 4 years prior and underwent a series of intercostal nerve blocks after experiencing persistent postthoracotomy pain. A pseudoaneurysm in the descending thoracic graft, contiguous with the chest wall, was encountered. He underwent successful pseudoaneurysm resection with redo graft replacement, resulting in significant pain relief. (C) 2019 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons