Ultrasonographic and thermographic evaluation of the lower limb after transfemoral catheterization

Ten adults undergoing routine transfemoral catheterization were randomly selected for study. Ultrasonography and thermography were performed within 48 hours before and after the catheterization procedure. Sites proximal and distal to puncture were assessed. There were no angiographic procedural complications in any case. Distal to the puncture, Doppler evaluation revealed a decrease in peak systolic velocity (PSV) in six cases, with four showing a greater than 30% fall, while three of the four cases with an increase had a less than 10% rise in PSV. Findings at the proximal site showed no distinct pattern. Changes in the resistive index at both sites were minimal. There was a significant increase in turbulence distal to the site of puncture in six cases. B-mode revealed arterial wall thickening compromising the lumen in half the cases. Thermography was done in four cases, and there was a tendency for an increase in limb temperature after the catheterization procedure. In view of the above-mentioned findings seen in "normal, uncomplicated" procedures, a larger study appears warranted to assess the significance of these findings and to attempt a correlation of the above results with the angiographic procedure.