Retrograde aortic dissection occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass. Successful repair and concominant subclavian-to-coronary artery vein bypass.

A retrograde aortic dissection that occurred during cardiopulmonary bypass was successfully repaired. The cause of dissection was related to the jet of retrograde perfusion. The use of subclavian-to-coronary artery vein bypass when the ascending aorta is not suitable for vein anastomosis because of dissection or aneurysms appears to be a satisfactory alternative to aorta-coronary bypass.