Endovascular repair of a ruptured ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm with concomitant pericardiocentesis

Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the ascending thoracic aorta are serious vascular conditions. Open surgical repair is the treatment of choice; however, some patients are deemed unfit for such invasive procedures. Endovascular repair can offer an invaluable and lifesaving treatment option, especially in emergent situations. We describe a case of a successful endovascular repair of a ruptured ascending aortic pseudoaneurysm in an 85-year-old man with cardiac tamponade who was not a candidate for traditional open surgery. Future innovations and applications of endovascular ascending aortic repair could lead to more favorable prognoses in patients with urgent surgical indications.