Endovascular stent-graft treatment of traumatic arterial lesions

Twenty-nine cases of post-traumatic false aneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF), with a mean follow-up of 24 months (1-65 months), are presented here. Diagnosis was established by color duplex and arteriogram. The time between injury and treatment varied between 3 days and 61 months. Endovascular treatment was accomplished using a covered Palmaz stent [vein, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyester], Corvita endoluminal graft, or a Wallgraft. Complimentary treatment of a branch injury was performed using a detachable balloon in one patient. The initial result was favorable for all patients. One case of asymptomatic stenosis of an iliac stent graft and three occlusions of the stent (one subclavian, one axillary, and one internal carotid) were registered during the follow-up period, and no clinical manifestations of the occlusions were reported. Endovascular treatment of post-traumatic false aneurysms and AVF appears to be a promising alternative for treatment of these lesions. Less pain and disability as well as rapid recovery time and lower cost after endovascular treatment compare favorably to the standard surgical technique.