Outcome after ligation of infected false femoral aneurysms in intravenous drug abusers

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the outcome of a policy of ligation with observation of infected false femoral aneurysms (IFFA) in intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), particularly with respect to the issue of limb preservation. Design: a retrospective study. Materials and methods: thirty-seven consecutive cases of IFFA in 34 patients accrued over nine years were studied by case note review and by clinical or telephone interview. Results: in 34 cases of ligation of primary IFFA there were no amputations, with patients describing claudication only in follow-up. In three cases of second IFFA in the same limb, repeat ligation resulted in two viable limbs with claudication only, and one above-knee amputation. At the nine year follow-up, all patients were still drug-dependent and considered unsuitable for late revascularisation. There were three deaths and all were drug-related. Conclusions: in our experience, ligation of IFFA is effective, safe and simple, and is the most appropriate method of dealing with these challenging cases.