Duplex ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of femoral pseudoaneurysms

Abstract

The use of percutaneous methods for coronary interventions continues to grow, with more than 500,000 coronary interventions performed annually in the United States.1 In concert, the frequency of postcatheterization false aneurysms continues to rise. Larger sheath sizes as well as more advanced anticoagulation regimens during and following percutaneous procedures have resulted in larger arterial defects with decreased ability to obtain hemostasis at the puncture site. Attempts at addressing this problem with closure devices and/or mechanical compression devices have failed to show clinical superiority to focal manual pressure. With the mounting push for less invasive treatment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease, the vascular surgeon will frequently be faced with a 'swollen' groin following these percutaneous procedures. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.