US-guided compression repair in iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound-guided compression repair in patients with pseudoaneurysms due to extremity artery catheterizations. Materials and Methods: Over a one-year period, fifteen patients with fourteen femoral pseudoaneurysms and one brachial pseudoaneurysm, which developed after cardiac catheterizations, were examined with color Doppler imaging. All of the patients were reevaluated with color Doppler imaging within 24 hours of the procedure. Results: In the initial attempt, ultrasound-guided compression repair was successful in thirteen (92%) patients. In one patient with brachial pseudoaneurysm, spontaneous thrombosis was demonstrated. Two recurrences were encountered, one and three days after the procedure. Recompression was performed successfully without further problems. Adequate compression could not be achieved in an uncooperative patient. No complications were observed during or after the procedures. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided compression repair is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pseudoaneurysms. To achieve high success rates, good cooperation has to be obtained from the patient. In patients with anticoagulated and multiloculated pseudoaneurysms longer compression periods or recompression after cessation of anticoagulation may improve the success rates.