Embolization of postsurgical obturator artery pseudoaneurysm

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Interventional Radiology
• Pelvic Anatomy

Background:

• The obturator artery's pelvic anatomy predisposes it to iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures.
• Understanding normal and variant obturator vascular anatomy is crucial for preventing surgical complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of a postoperative obturator artery pseudoaneurysm.
• To describe the successful treatment of this pseudoaneurysm using transcatheter embolization.
• To discuss the anatomical and pathological considerations of obturator artery injury.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with a postoperative obturator artery pseudoaneurysm.
• Transcatheter arterial embolization as the primary treatment modality.
• Review of relevant anatomical variations and injury mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Successful transcatheter embolization achieved hemostasis and resolution of the pseudoaneurysm.
• The procedure was technically successful without immediate complications.
• Post-embolization imaging confirmed the absence of further extravasation.

Conclusions:

• Transcatheter embolization is an effective treatment for obturator artery pseudoaneurysms.
• Awareness of obturator artery anatomy and potential for injury is vital for pelvic surgeons.
• This case highlights a minimally invasive approach to managing a significant vascular complication.