Non-invasive Ultrasound Guided Compression Repair of Post Puncture Femoral Pseudo aneurysm

Background: Pseudo aneurysm (PSA) of femoral artery is the second common post puncture complication. If PSA is less than 18 mm, it can be closed spontaneously and it can be asymptomatic. If not, it needs treatment. The most common non invasive method used in the treatment is ultrasound guided compression (UGC) with duplex color Doppler. In the treatment of PSA, other options are available, such as thrombin and collagen injection in the PSA sack, application of stent, but they are more invasive, with more complications than UGC. Material and method: Retrospective study was performed in the period from 2005-2010. During this period, 4575 punctions of femoral artery were performed. Because of suspected PSA of femoral artery, we examined and diagnosed 28 PSA in the ward of ultrasound diagnostic. Data regarding the location and morphologic characteristics of PSA, morbid disease were documented. Results: UGC was performed in 22 PSA patients, 12 men and 9 women, with average age of 48 years. 20 PSA were obliterated, while 2 remained persistent even after second attempt, and they were surgically treated. Efficacy of this method was 90%. Control examination was performed after 12 and 24 hours, and after 1 and 3 months. Intra- and after procedural complications were not observed. Conclusion: Non invasive treatment of PSA with UGC is cheap, efficient and easy to perform, with minor complications in well selected patients.