Delayed non-mycotic false aneurysm of ascending aortic cannulation site.

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Abstract
Two cases of delayed non-mycotic false aneurysm arising from the ascending aortic cannulation site, presenting 1 1/2 and 7 yr after cardiopulmonary bypass, are described. These 2 cases represent an incidence of 0.12% of this complication. Repair using profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest with femoral artery and femoral vein cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass is recommended. The advantages and complications of aortic cannulation are discussed and recommendations to minimize the complications of cannulation are made. The clinical presentation and diagnosis of non-mycotic false aneurysms arising from the aortic cannulation site are described. In addition 1 delayed and 2 early cases of non-mycotic cannulation site false aneurysms previously published are analyzed. Surgeons should be alert to the possibility of this complication in all patients who have had aortic cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass even in the distant past. Unexpected symptoms such as constant anterior chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness and increasing widening of the superior mediastinum on the chest radiograph warrant prompt investigation.