Narrative review of vascular iatrogenic trauma and endovascular treatment

Iatrogenic injury is unfortunately a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for patients worldwide. The etiology of iatrogenic injury is broad, and can be seen with both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. While steps can be taken to reduce the occurrence of iatrogenic injury, it is often not completely avoidable. Once iatrogenic injury has occurred, prompt recognition and appropriate management can help reduce further harm. The objective of this narrative review it to help reader better understand the risk factors associated with, and treatment options for a broad range of potential iatrogenic injuries by presenting a series of iatrogenic injury cases. This review also discusses rates, risk factors, as well as imaging and clinical signs of iatrogenic injury with an emphasis on endovascular and minimally invasive treatments. While iatrogenic vascular injury once required surgical intervention, now minimally invasive endovascular treatment is a potential option for certain patients. Further research is needed to help identify patients that are at the highest risk for iatrogenic injury, allowing patients and providers to reconsider or avoid interventions where the risk of iatrogenic injury may outweigh the benefit. Further research is also needed to better define outcomes for patients with iatrogenic vascular injury treated with minimally invasive endovascular techniques verses conservative management or surgical intervention.