The color Doppler-guided compression therapy of pseudoaneurysms. The authors' own experiences and a review of the literature

Abstract

The common use of interventional angiographic techniques and the sensitive detection of this vascular complication by ultrasound are major factors contributing to the increasing incidence of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms. ultrasound-guided compression repair of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms was prospectively evaluated. 11 femoral artery pseudoaneurysms were detected in 10 patients who ranged from 45 to 79 years of age. In one patient two ipsilateral pseudoaneurysms occurred. All patients were considered to be candidates for ultrasound-guided compression repair. Successful compression repair was achieved in 9 of 11 pseudoaneurysms (82%) with a mean diameter of 2.2 +/- 1.0 cm. In two recurrent lesions (22%) definitive thrombosis required a second treatment. Compression was maintained between 10 and 40 minutes (mean 22 +/- 11 minutes). No complications have been observed. Ultrasound-guided compression repair provides an efficient, noninvasive and safe treatment of femoral artery pseudoaneurysms. More than 80% of pseudoaneurysms can be occluded successfully. In recurrent lesions a second attempt is valuable.