Treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms. Percutaneous US-guided thrombin injection versus US-guided compression

Thrombin injection in femoral pseudoaneurysms has been suggested to be superior to traditional US-guided compression. Our aim was to evaluate results with compression therapy with special reference to use of thrombin in case of failure. We also studied 7 patients who underwent primary thrombin injection.

We retrospectively reviewed all (n=44) femoral artery pseudoaneurysms diagnosed at our department during October 1998-May 1999. US-guided compression with the Femostop device or US-guided thrombin injection (100-1000 IU) was the first choice according to the physicians' preference, followed by the other regime if the first choice was non-successful.

Thirty-nine (89%) of the patients received anticoagulation treatment and/or concomitant antiplatelet drugs. Out of the 44 patients, 37 were treated with compression as the first choice. This regime was successful in 22 (59%). This group included 2 lesions that resolved spontaneously after initially failed compression and 1 deep venous thrombosis after treatment. The persistent 15 pseudoaneurysms after failed compression received thrombin injection, and it was also the primary therapy in 7 patients. Complete thrombosis within the pseudoaneurysm was immediately induced after treatment. One early recurrence required a second injection. No complication of thrombin was noted and no surgery was required.

US-guided thrombin injection is an effective treatment for embolisation of pseudoaneurysms. The technique is superior to compression therapy.