Ultrasound guided compression repair of post-catheterization femoral pseudo-aneurysm

ABSTRACT

Iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm have traditionally been treated surgically Recently, this problem has been successfully treated without operation by the ultrasound-guided compression [UGC]. The purpose of this study is to describe the indications, technique and results for UGC of femoral pseudoaneurysms and to define the factors that predict its success. One hundred and two [102] patients were referred to the vascular division with suspected pseudoaneurysm [PA] over a 36 months period. Data regarding the location and morphologic characteristics of the pseudoaneurysms, anticoagulation status and morbid diseases were documented. Each pseudoaneurysm was compressed with a 4-7 MHz linear transducer for 10-minute intervals until the PA was completely occluded or the procedure was considered to be a failure. Out of 102 patients referred with suspected PA, 36 had a duplex confirmed PA [22 post cardiac catheterization, 10 postaortogram and four post femoral central line]. UCG was successful in 29 patients [81%], the rest were surgically treated. UGC provides a reliable alternative to surgical treatment for post catheterization femoral pseudoaneurysm. Anticoagulants, large PAsize [> 6 cm] and hypertension were main preditors for UGC failure