Evaluation of Superficial Femoral Artery Compromise and Limb Growth Retardation After Transfemoral Artery Balloon Dilatations

Abstract

Abnormalities of arterial pulse and limb growth after retrograde femoral arterial catheterization have been well documented. However, the magnitude of such complications after transfemoral artery balloon dilatation has not been thoroughly investigated. This study sought to evaluate the prevalence of these abnormalities in children who have undergone transfemoral artery balloon dilatation. Data on 43 consecutive patients (1 day to 15.5 years old at the time of balloon dilatation) seen on follow-up (42 +/- 23 months) (group 1) were compared with those of 35 patients undergoing retrograde femoral arterial catheterization (group 2) and 47 control patients. Interventional ankle/control ankle blood pressure index (AAI), ratio of interventional/control lower limb length (LLI), and leg length difference (LLD) were measured. Ages and weights at study were similar in all three groups, as were the ages and weights at intervention and duration of follow-up in groups 1 and 2. The AAI was lower (P = .023) in group 1 (0.95 +/- 0.13) than in groups 2 (1.0 +/- 0.1) and 3 (1.01 +/- 0.09). The prevalence of subjects with AAI < or = 0.9 was higher (P = .003) in group 1 than in the other two groups. The LLI and LLD were similar (P > .1) in all three groups. AAI and LLD in the balloon group are not significantly associated with age and weight at intervention, duration of follow-up, or size of the balloon or balloon catheter shaft. Transfemoral artery balloon dilatation procedures produce superficial femoral artery compromise, but there was no significant limb growth retardation at a 3.5-year mean follow-up, which may be related to development of collateral circulation. Study of a larger number of children at a longer follow-up interval may be necessary to further confirm these observations.