Iatrogenic arterial injuries

ABSTRACT

This study includes 148 patients who sustained arterial injuries during various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Cardiac catheterization and angiography were responsible for the majority of cases [77%]. Surgical procedure came next and were responsible for 16.2% of cases. the commonly affected arteries were the brachial 48.7% and femoral 38.5% These injuries were managed surgically once diagnosed without the need of prior arteriography. The latter was reserved only to cases received late. The management depended upon the causative injury and the artery affected. Lateral suture was done in the majority of cases of injuries following diagnostic catheterization. On the other hand injuries following surgical procedures were managed by an interposition graft [saphenous vein or prosthetic] depending upon the size of the affected artery. Extra-anatomical by passes were reserved to cases with potential risks of infection. The results of management were satisfactory 12.2% morbidity and 1.3% mortality