Temporizing stent graft for aortoenteric fistula with massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Abstract

Objectives We present a case of a 59-year-old male with an actively bleeding aortoenteric fistula (AEF) that was temporized using an endovascular stent prior to staged open reconstruction. Methods Verbal informed consent was given by the patient’s family for publication of this case report. The patient presented with pulseless electrical activity secondary to hemorrhagic shock due to a massive gastrointestinal bleed. His past surgical history included an aortobifemoral bypass (ABFB) that subsequently underwent extra-anatomic reconstruction with right axillofemoral artery bypass for right femoral infected pseudoaneurysm. Two months prior to presentation, he underwent a second revision with in-situ reconstruction for left limb graft infection. CTA now demonstrated actively bleeding AEF. He was emergently treated with endovascular stenting. Once stabilized, a two-stage revision with extra-anatomic bypass and aortic stump closure for management of his AEF was performed. Result The patient was adequately stabilized using endovascular techniques followed by two-stage revision but unfortunately expired secondary to septic shock 20 days postoperatively. Conclusion This case highlights the utility of endovascular stent graft to successfully obtain hemodynamic stability and optimization prior to open repair of AEFs.