Ultrasound-guided Compression Repair of pseudoaneurysms and

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: For the treatment of arterial lesions occurring after catheterization, ultrasound-guided compressionrepair (UGCR) has recently been introduced. Using this technique, we repeatedly attempted treatment of theselesions and assessed their characteristics, as seen on US. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 21patients who had suffered arterial injury (16 pseudoaneurysms and five arteriovenous fistulae) during arterialcatheterization. Occlusion of one pseudoaneurysm (PA) occurred spontaneously. UGCR was attempted in 20 casesinvolving arterial injury, including two which had occurred five months earlier. In six lesions, multiple attemptswere necessary. RESULTS: UGCR was successful in 18 (90%) of 20 arterial injuries, and all 15 PAs weresuccessfully treated;eight were completely closed at the first attempt, five were seen on follow-up US to havebeen closed after the first attempt, and two were completely closed at the second attempt. Three of fiveateriovenous fistulae (AVF) were successfully closed, one was completely closed at the first attempt, and two atthe second attempt. Mean compression time was 37(range3-75)min in AVFs. Mean diameter of the cavity of PAs was3.8(range1.5-10)cm;mean width of the track was 2.6(range1-5)mm in PAs and 3.8(range1.6-8)mm in AVFs. CONCLUSION: USGC can be successful after multiple attempts, even in patients with large cavity lesions and in chronic cases.AVFs with wide necks need a longer compression time and the results of the procedure are poorer.