Abdominal aortic dissection with retrograde extension to the ascending aorta during diagnostic coronary catheterization has not been reported before. Although, immediate surgery is indicated, the surgical risks are high when there are severe coronary lesions and impaired ventricular function. We describe a patient with post-myocardial infarction unstable angina and congestive heart failure who had this type of aortic dissection during catheterization. Emergent coronary artery bypass grafting with an empty-beating heart and ascending aortic grafting under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest were successfully done. The patient recovered well and is currently followed up in our out-patient department.