An Unusual Origin of Proximal Coronary Bypass Anastomosis in a Patient with Carotid Disease

Neurological complications constitute a major cause of morbidity and mortality following coronary artery bypass grafting. Extensive atherosclerosis of the aortic arch and carotid artery disease are associated with high incidence of stroke. Severe calcification of the ascending aorta (porcelain aorta) is a very difficult condition in cardiac surgery because of high embolization potential during the process of cannulation, aortic cross-clamping, and is particularly difficult for suturing of proximal anastomosis. We describe a case of a 75-year-old male referred to our Clinic due to unstable angina. Further evaluation revealed a severe, high-grade multilevel fibrolipid symptomatic carotid stenosis, severe aortic valve stenosis and left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis and a highly calcified ascending aorta and aortic arch. We performed simultaneous carotid endarterectomy, revascularization of the left anterior descending coronary artery and aortic valve replacement. Proximal venous anastomosis was created in the left common carotid artery. The case suggests an alternative method for treating patients with severe aortic calcifications.