Percutaneous Ablation of Peripheral Pseudoaneurysms Using Thrombin: A Simple and Effective Solution

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of tissue adhesive and thrombin solution in the percutaneous ablation of peripheral artery pseudoaneurysms.

Methods: Twenty-five pseudoaneurysms were treated over a 33-month period; all had failed ultrasound-guided compression. Tissue adhesive or thrombin solution was injected percutaneously, with needle tip position and changes within the aneurysm confirmed with color Doppler ultrasound. In 19 cases we utilized a protective balloon inflated across the aneurysm neck prior to the injection of tissue adhesive and in six cases used thrombin injection alone. Seven patients were anticoagulated. Patients were followed up after the procedure.

Results: All 25 aneurysms were treated successfully; two patients required a return visit and there were no immediate complications or peripheral emboli detected. One patient developed a contralateral pseudoaneurysm.

Conclusions: The percutaneous injection of pseudoaneurysms is a safe, atraumatic, and effective treatment for femoral artery pseudoaneurysms in the peripheral circulation. There are significant advantages over ultrasound-guided compression or surgical repair.