[Post-catheterization false femoral aneurysms]

The incidence of iatrogenic femoral false aneurysms has risen in recent years and is estimated to 0.5% for diagnostic procedures and may rise to 9% or more for therapeutic procedures. This increased incidence is in relation with the increased number of arterial punctures and their major complexity and duration. Prevention of false aneurysms is based upon an atraumatic arterial puncture, good compression therapy after sheath removal and use of percutaneous arterial closure devices. Compression ultrasonography, percutaneous thrombin or coil embolisation represent modern therapeutic approaches. Compression echography is safe and effectiveness varies between 70 and 100%, according to studies. Thrombin injection seems particularly effective, is painless and has a limited rate of complications in expert hands.