Comparison of two simple treatment algorithms for iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm: ultrasound guided manual compression vs. ultrasound guided thrombin injection

Abstract

Abstract Background Postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is a common access site related complication after endovascular procedures with potentially deleterious effect on patient outcome. There is still lack of consensus about the optimal treatment. Objective We analyze the incidence of PSA in a large cohort of patients undergoing state of the art procedures in current cardiology, identify independent risk factors for PSA formation and assess our experience in PSA treatment comparing two simple treatment algorithms: ultrasound guided manual compression vs. ultrasound guided thrombin injection as a first line treatment. Methods and results In this single-centre, retrospective study 29.802 patients from January 2013 to May 2018 underwent femoral artery catheterization. Sheath removal was carried out according to standard operating procedures of the clinic. In 228 patients, a PSA was diagnosed. Thus, overall incidence of PSA amounted to 0.8%. Of 228 patients with a PSA, 117 (51%) patients were primarily treated with ultrasound guided manual compression with an overall success rate of 34% at next day follow up. All other patients (n=111, 49%) were primarily treated with ultrasound guided thrombin injection with an overall success rate of 99% at next day follow up. Low rates of periprocedural complications were noted with either hemostasis technique. Analysis of laboratory characteristics revealed that efficacy of ultrasound guided manual compression is dependent on INR whereas efficacy of ultrasound guided thrombin injection is independent of INR (p=0.0253). There was also a higher rate of significant hemoglobin drop with ultrasound guided manual compression versus ultrasound guided thrombin injection (0.78 mg/dl ± 0.09 vs 0.26 mg/dl ± 0.08, p=0.038). Time to mobilization was significantly shorter after ultrasound guided thrombin injection (UGTI: mean time 23.4 h ± 3.1 h, UGMC: mean time 27.1 h ± 10.2 h, p=0.0002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, age (>75 years), oral anticoagulation and anemia are independent risk factors for PSA formation. Conclusions Almost 0.8% of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization via femoral access acquire PSA, for which independent risk factors could be identified. Interventional cardiologist operated ultrasound guided thrombin injection is highly effective and safe as a first line treatment and reduces blood loss compared to ultrasound guided manual compression. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None