The Annals of Thoracic Surgery, Vol 52, 852-854, Copyright © 1991 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Traumatic sinus of Valsalva fistula
J Wei, CY Chang and YC Chang
Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China.
Two rare cases of nonpenetrating trauma-induced fistula from the right
sinus of Valsalva to the right heart chambers are reported. Both were
diagnosed preoperatively and operated on successfully. A transverse tear
was found in the right sinus of Valsalva, just below the right coronary
ostium, in both patients. The ragged inlet and a rough fistula tract were
noted during operation. The tears were closed with direct sutures or with a
Dacron patch. Coronary artery bypass grafting was needed in 1 patient. The
results of operation were excellent.