Postcatheterization Pseudoaneurysm with Acute Brachial Artery Occlusion

1. Even when US-guided compression is initially successful, pseudoaneurysm recurrence rates are not rare in patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet theraphy.
2. Angio-guided or ultrasound-guided thrombin injection was safe, effective, low complication rates, ease of performance and short procedure times.
3. Thrombin injection repair could be regarded as the theraphy of choice for the management of postcatheterization pseudoaneurysm.

Repair of pseudoanueryms

1. Ultrasound-guided compression repair (UGCR)
- UGCR is a good alternative to surgical repair and has become the primary method of treatment in many institutions.
- However, the procedure is time-consuming and painful, has poor results with patients who are undergoing anticoagulation therapy.
- The typical success rate is between 60% and 90%.
Semin Vasc Surg 2000;13:58-61,
J Vasc Surg 1996;23:28-35

2. Surgical repair
- Surgery requires an incision and has a prolonged recovery time, and wound infections is common.
- In addition, surgical repair is problematic in the patient requiring ongoing anticoagulation and exposes the patient to the potential risks of anesthesia.
- Nineteen percent to 32% of patients develop wound-healing disorders and permanent femoral neuralgias.
Radiology 1995;195:463-466
Am J Surg 1994;167:375-378
- Frequencies of lymphatic leaks are as high as 40%.
J Vasc Tech 2001;25:209-212

3. Ultrasoun-guided thrombin injection (UGTI)
- Even when US-guided compression is initially successful, pseudoaneurysm recurrence rates are reported as 20% in patients receiving anticoagulation or antiplatelet theraphy.
- UGTI was safe and effective in 94% of patients with postcatheterization pseudoaneuryms.
Circulation 2000;102:2391-2395
- The primary success rate was 93.8%. The secondary success rate was 99.6%. Thromboembolic complications occurred in two patients (0.8%) and resolved spontaneously. One mild allergic reaction and no infections occurred.
Radiology 2005;236:1104-1110


1. High success rates
2. Low complication rates
3. Ease of performance
4. Short procedure times
5. No radiation exposure
--> US-guided percutaneous injection of thrombin could be regarded as the theraphy of choice for the management of postcatheterization pseudoaneurysm.

Leave a comment

Sign in to leave a comment.