Intercostal artery pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication of transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

In this case report, we present an 86-year old patient with an intercostal pseudoaneurysm after transaortic transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). This new technique of a transaortic approach is considered a possible alternative to the more usual transfemoral, trans-subclavian or transapical access site, mainly in patients with extensive peripheral arterial disease. A mini-thoracotomy or mini-sternotomy is needed to access the ascending aorta. The patient presented with a painless but progressive pulsatile mass right parasternally, 3 months after the procedure. An intercostal pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed with duplex examination and chest CT. Successful treatment with an ultrasound-guided injection of thrombin resulted in a complete obliteration of the pseudoaneurysm. Only nine reported cases of intercostal pseudoaneurysms have been reported worldwide, and this is the first case in a patient who underwent a transaortic TAVI. Since the transaortic access is used more frequently, it is important to report on possible complications of this new technique.