Occlusion of the abdominal aorta caused by enlargement of the false lumen after graft replacement for a DeBakey type IIIb dissecting aneurysm: report of a case.

We report herein a case of abdominal aorta occlusion caused by enlargement of the false lumen after a graft replacement. The patient was a 70-year-old man who underwent a graft replacement of the descending thoracic aorta for a DeBakey type IIIb dissecting aneurysm. Digital subtraction angiography performed on postoperative day 18 revealed an abdominal aorta occlusion caused by enlargement of the false lumen. A new intimal defect was found in the aortic wall 2 cm distal to the suture line, the cause of which was suspected to be clamp injury during the initial operation. Graft replacement of the abdominal aorta was subsequently carried out. Postoperatively, he had no complications, and digital subtraction angiography showed excellent reconstruction of the abdominal aorta. The patient was discharged from hospital 1 month after his second operation.