Management trends for postcatheterization femoral artery pseudoaneurysms

Challenging the Controversy Surrounding Percutaneous Brachial Artery Access Related Complications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Endovascular therapy has become increasingly preferred in the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions. The choice of arterial access usually depends on the type of procedure being performed with most via the common femoral artery and increasingly via the radial artery. Percutaneous access via the brachial artery has however been approached with caution due to the perceived increased risk for development of complications. Percutaneous brachial artery access (pBAA) has insufficient evidence when compared to femoral and radial access, with no large-scale studies available. The objective of this study is to review the literature and report the clinical and radiological complications associated with pBAA.

METHODS

EMBASE, EMCARE, CINAHL and Medline were searched for existing data on the complications associated with pBAA. Systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out on the data of 31 studies.

RESULTS

The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicates that the probability of post procedural haematoma was 4.76%, haemorrhage 1.43%, perforation 1.11% pseudoaneurysm 1.06%, spasm 0.9%, thrombus 0.55%, neuropathy 0.53%, occlusion 0.51%, ischaemia 0.37% and infection 0.24 %. Non-target vessel puncture, stenosis and stroke had a 0% incidence among the assessed population.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence to support clinical decision making when it comes to the utility of pBAA in endovascular diagnosis or therapy. The results demonstrate that pBAA is relatively safe with a low incidence of serious complications and thereby provide the clinician with the option of an alternate access point when planning treatment.

Compare efficacy and safety of autologous blood clot injection with C-clamp vascular closure device in treatment of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm after femoral artery puncture

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic femoral artery pseudoaneurysm (FAP) is a complication following femoral artery puncture, with an incidence rate of 0.2%-5.5% post-cardiac catheterization procedures. Management typically involves observation or interventional treatments such as ultrasound-guided compression (UGC) or ultrasound-guided thrombin injections. This study compares the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided autologous blood clot injection (UGCI) with C-clamp vascular closure device-assisted UGC in treating FAP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Conducted at a high-volume training and research center, this prospective study enrolled patients with iatrogenic FAP post-femoral artery puncture. Patients were randomized into two treatments: UGC with a C-clamp device or UGCI. Primary endpoints were thrombosis induction within 24 h, average procedure time, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

RESULTS

The study included 105 patients with 51 undergoing UGCI and 54 undergoing UGC. UGCI achieved a primary success rate of 96% versus 63% for UGC. The mean procedure duration for UGCI was significantly shorter (22 min) compared with UGC (49 min, p ⩽ 0.0001). LOS was also reduced in the UGCI group (1.5 days) compared to the UGC group (4.5 days). Complication rates were low for both procedures, with one deep vein thrombosis and one infection observed in the UGC group.

CONCLUSION

UGCI demonstrated to be a safe, efficient, and faster alternative for treating iatrogenic FAPs with a higher success rate, reduced LOS, and similar low complication rates compared to UGC. This study suggests that UGCI could be considered a preferred method for the management of FAP post-femoral artery catheterization.

Hybrid Repair of Infected Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm: Stent Graft Placement and Artificial Graft Replacement

A femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is the most prevalent complication of femoral access due to the artery's accessibility and frequent use for catheterization and blood tests. An infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is often life-threatening and challenging to manage. A 70-year-old male with a history of tongue cancer treatments, including resection, lymph node dissection, and radiation chemotherapy, visited his previous physician for a fever and was prescribed oral antibiotics, but the fever persisted, accompanied by pain and a mass in the left groin. An enhanced CT revealed an infected pseudoaneurysm of the left femoral artery. The fever's etiology was unclear but likely stemmed from a blood draw from the femoral artery during a prior visit, resulting in a pseudoaneurysm that became infected. The patient was transferred to our hospital due to management challenges. Blood cultures from the previous hospital were positive, and laboratory tests indicated an active infection. The initial strategy was to continue antibiotic therapy to control the infection. After approximately a month of antibiotic treatment, blood cultures remained negative, and laboratory results improved significantly. However, the aneurysm had clearly enlarged, necessitating emergency surgery. Typically, surgical intervention requires opening the abdomen to replace the external iliac artery to its extent, a considerably invasive procedure for the patient. Thus, we opted for a hybrid treatment, implanting a stent graft from the external iliac artery to the proximal common femoral artery and replacing artificial blood vessels from there to the femoral artery bifurcation. The postoperative course was favorable. In this case, we provided the optimal treatment for the patient's condition, despite the impossibility of a radical cure due to the cancer's progression. We believe the infected pseudoaneurysm was adequately controlled, and the hybrid therapy is effective for patients who cannot endure more invasive treatments.

Lower extremity pseudoaneurysms and their interventional radiological management: a pictorial review

Lower extremity pseudoaneurysms (PsAs) are mostly developed after traumatic or iatrogenic injury to the arteries. Unless treated, they can be complicated by adjacent mass effects, distal embolism, secondary infection, and rupture. Imaging helps in the diagnosis and planning of therapeutic intervention. Ultrasonography (USG) is often diagnostic, while CT angiography aids in vascular mapping required for intervention. Image-guided therapy offers to manage these pseudoaneurysms in a minimally invasive approach, obviating the need for surgery. A smaller, superficial, and narrow-necked PsA can easily be managed with local USG-guided compression or thrombin injection. When the percutaneous approach is not a feasible option, PsA from expendable arteries can also be managed with coiling or glue injection. Wide-necked PsA from an unexpendable artery necessitates stent graft placement, although coiling of the neck may be a viable and cheaper alternative for a long- and narrow-necked PsA. Presently, vascular closure devices are also used to seal a small arterial rent through a direct percutaneous approach. This pictorial review entails various techniques to deal with lower extremity pseudoaneurysms. An idea about the various intervention radiological approaches will help in choosing appropriate methods to tackle lower extremity pseudoaneurysms.

[Delayed Bilateral Common Femoral Pseudoaneurysm after Percutaneous Access with Interventional Management: A Case Report]

Common femoral artery pseudoaneurysm is a potentially serious complication of peripheral angiography. There have been few prior reports of simultaneous pseudoaneurysm in both common femoral arteries after percutaneous access. Here we report the case of a 58-year-old male patient who presented with phlegmon or abscess a few days after bilateral femoral access, after which newly developed bilateral femoral pseudoaneurysm with wide neck was observed on CT angiography 2 months after infection treatment. Because the patient refused surgery for pseudoaneurysm, a stent-graft was inserted in the left side, and percutaneous thrombin injection under US guidance with balloon occlusion was performed for the right side. Most pseudoaneurysms occur immediately after the causative procedure. However, there have been some cases in which pseudoaneurysms may occur several weeks or months later; it is therefore necessary to check the risk factors and to carefully observe the hemostasis site.

Strategies for Safe Implantation and Effective Performance of Single-Chamber and Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemakers

Leadless pacemakers (LPMs) have emerged as an alternative to conventional transvenous pacemakers to eliminate the complications associated with leads and subcutaneous pockets. However, LPMs still present with complications, such as cardiac perforation, dislodgment, vascular complications, infection, and tricuspid valve regurgitation. Furthermore, the efficacy of the leadless VDD LPMs is influenced by the unachievable 100% atrioventricular synchrony. In this article, we review the available data on the strategy selection, including appropriate patient selection, procedure techniques, device design, and post-implant programming, to minimize the complication rate and maximize the efficacy, and we summarize the clinical settings in which a choice must be made between VVI LPMs, VDD LPMs, or conventional transvenous pacemakers. In addition, we provide an outlook for the technology for the realization of true dual-chamber leadless and battery-less pacemakers.

Management of bleeding with a temporary arterial occlusion balloon in revision total hip arthroplasty

PURPOSE

Perioperative bleeding is an undesirable surgical phenomenon. An effective way of diminishing bleeding is by use of a temporary arterial occlusion balloon (TAOB) to produce regional hypotension. We analysed TAOB-related complications at our institution occurring with total hip arthroplasties between years 2000 and 2016. We also compared the effect on bleeding for a TAOB group and a matched group during this same time.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

76 consecutive cases had a total hip arthroplasty (THA) combined with a TAOB. In an analysis of all complications connected to the use of TAOB, 48 of them were revision THAs. The matched reference group consisted of 20 patients with revision surgery, but without TAOB. We analysed and compared perioperative bleeding, surgery, and balloon occlusion time for these 2 groups.

RESULTS

No thromboembolic complications or other severe complications were recorded. 1 case had bleeding from the insertion site after catheter removal. 3 cases had balloon failure without the consequences of this complication. The TAOB group had significantly less haemoglobin loss, total perioperative bleeding, bleeding per minute, and total transfusion than the matched reference group.

INTERPRETATION

The use of TAOB in elective THA surgery is safe and effective in reducing intraoperative bleeding.

Autologous Blood-Clot Embolisation of Iatrogenic Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm Caused by Arterial Sheath Placement; A Case Report

Iatrogenic Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm (FAP) is a common complication that occurs in diagnostic and therapeutic catheterization procedures and can cause morbidity and even mortality in patients. Aneurysm larger than 2 cm, symptomatic or complicated should be treated. Here we report a 59-year-old man with post-catheterization FAP following femoral artery angiography, treated successfully by direct transcatheter autologous blood clot embolisation. To the best of our knowledge, our case report is the first to demonstrate that FAP can be successfully treated endovascularly by autologous blood clot embolisation.

Transaneurysmal Occlusion of Complicated Common Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysms Using the Angio-Seal Closure Device-A Promising Technique

PURPOSE

Pseudoaneurysm (PSA) developing after catheter examinations is one of the most frequent vascular complications and a nonsurgical technique with utmost low risk of complications is warranted. Our aim was to investigate the technical feasibility, success, and safety of transaneurysmal occlusion of complicated post-interventional common femoral artery (CFA) PSA using the Angio-Seal Closure Device (ASCD) and a technique that we describe as the transaneurysmal (TA) maneuver.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We used the Angio-Seal (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) Closure System to manage complicated PSAs in patients who would otherwise have needed surgery after failure of all conservative therapies. The TA maneuver was performed in 14 consecutive patients from July 2021 to July 2022. After ultrasound-guided puncture of the PSA close to its neck, the CFA was entered radiographically with micro-guidewires, and the neck of the PSA was closed with the ASCD after changing the sheaths and wires. All patient had to wear a pressure dressing until the next day, when successful closure was verified by sonography.

RESULTS

All procedures were performed with technical success and without any complications. No patient had to undergo surgery. All sonographies on the next day confirmed complete absence of perfusion within the PSA and normal flow conditions of the CFA and vessels below.

CONCLUSION

The TA maneuver a promising minimally invasive procedure for closing complicated PSA of the CFA after catheter examination.

Management of Acute Complications during Endovascular Procedures in Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review

Endovascular therapy, as opposed to surgical bypass, has become the mainstay for peripheral arterial disease even in long segment occlusions. Complications can occur during the arterial access, catheter manipulation, balloon dilation, and/or stent placement. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, renal dysfunction, and coronary artery disease in these patients, early identification of procedural complications and initiation of treatment are of paramount importance. This review aims to provide comprehensive data on the identification and management of commonly encountered endovascular complications during endovascular interventions in peripheral arterial disease.

Femoral artery aneurysms

True aneurysms are dilatations of blood vessels, bounded by the tunica intima, tunica media and tunica adventitia. False aneurysms are dilatations bounded by the tunica adventitia only, and are more common than true aneurysms. The femoral artery is the second most common location for true peripheral artery aneurysms, and the most common site of false aneurysms. If left untreated, devastating complications can occur, such as infection, rupture, ischaemia and limb loss. Femoral artery aneurysms should be identified early and managed by a vascular specialist. This article outlines the evidence for the epidemiology, investigation and management of femoral artery aneurysms.

Endovascular Embolization of Femoral Pseudoaneurysm Associated with Therapeutic and Diagnostic Neuroendovascular Procedures

Objective

We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of endovascular embolization for femoral iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms (PAs) following therapeutic and diagnostic neuroendovascular procedures.

Methods

This study included 12 patients with femoral PA due to femoral puncture at our department between May 2014 and April 2021. We performed an analysis of baseline characteristics, treatment, and outcome of these cases.

Results

Endovascular embolization was performed in 10 of the 12 PAs using coils and/or N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Of these, 10 PAs were treated with endovascular embolization and 9 were successfully occluded, whereas complete occlusion was not achieved in 1 case of PA (success rate: 90%). No new intraoperative or postoperative complications or postoperative recurrences occurred.

Conclusion

Endovascular embolization for PA can be immediately performed under local anesthesia without discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy and may be a safe and effective option for access site complication treatment.

Ultrasonography-guided endovascular management of femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after unintended dialysis catheterization with suture-mediated vascular closure devices

Although iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm is an infrequent complication, it can be life threatening if ruptured. There are several treatment methods for managing this complication. This case report demonstrates a technique using ultrasonography-guided suture-mediated vascular closure devices without angiography to successfully treat iatrogenic superficial femoral pseudoaneurysm following an unintended hemodialysis catheter insertion. In particular, when it is difficult to use a contrast due to a patient's condition as in this case, suture-mediated vascular closure device with ultrasonography guidance can be used as a therapeutic method.

Incidence of and predisposing factors for pseudoaneurysm formation in a high-volume cardiovascular center

Purpose

To evaluate factors associated with pseudoaneurysm (PSA) development.

Methods

Between January 2016 and May 2020, 30,196 patients had invasive vascular radiological or cardiac endovascular procedures that required arterial puncture. All patients with PSA were identified. A matched (age, gender, and type of the procedure) control group of 134 patients was created to reveal predictors of PSA formation.

Results

Single PSAs were found in 134 patients. Fifty-three PSAs developed after radiological procedures (53/6555 [0.8%]), 31 after coronary artery procedures (31/18038 [0.2%]), 25 after non-coronary artery cardiac procedures (25/5603 [0.4%]), and 25 due to procedures in which the arterial puncture was unintended. Thirty-four PSAs (25.4%) were localized to the upper extremity arteries (vascular closure device [VCD], N = 0), while 100 (74.6%) arose from the lower extremity arteries (VCD, N = 37). The PSA prevalence was 0.05% (10/20478) in the radial artery, 0.1% (2/1818) in the ulnar artery, 1.2% (22/1897) in the brachial artery, and 0.4% (99/22202) in the femoral artery. Treatments for upper and lower limb PSAs were as follows: bandage replacement (32.4% and 14%, respectively), ultrasound-guided compression (11.8% and 1%, respectively), ultrasound-guided thrombin injection (38.2% and 78%, respectively), and open surgery (17.6% and 12%, respectively). Reintervention was necessary in 19 patients (14.2%). The prevalence of PSA for the punctured artery with and without VCD use was 37/3555 (1%) and 97/27204 (0.4%), respectively (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.95–4.34; P<0.001). The effect of red blood cell (RBC) count (P<0.001), hematocrit value (P<0.001), hemoglobin value (P<0.001), international normalized ratio (INR; P<0.001), RBC count—INR interaction (P = 0.003), and RBC count—VCD use interaction (P = 0.036) on PSA formation was significant.

Conclusion

Patients in whom the puncture site is closed with a VCD require increased observation. Preprocedural laboratory findings are useful for the identification of patients at high risk of PSA formation.

Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula Following Femoral Access Precipitating High-Output Heart Failure

Iatrogenic complications may manifest in a variety of ways. We present the case of an 86-year-old woman who underwent a percutaneous coronary intervention with a drug-eluting stent for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction followed by leadless pacemaker placement through a femoral approach. Her post-procedure course was complicated by new onset high-output heart failure secondary to iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula formation, requiring covered stent placement. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.).

A Case of Puncture-Site Giant Pseudoaneurysm Following Recanalization Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Marked Growth and Rupture of a Femoral Artery Pseudoaneurysm

Objective

We report a case of the marked growth and rupture of a giant femoral artery pseudoaneurysm at the puncture site that developed after recanalization therapy for acute basilar artery occlusion.

Case Presentation

A 79-year-old woman developed acute ischemic stroke due to atherosclerotic basilar artery occlusion. Endovascular intervention was performed and recanalization of the affected vessel was achieved. However, she developed brainstem infarction and consciousness disturbance persisted. The femoral access site was treated using a vascular closure device at the end of the procedure. A right femoral artery pseudoaneurysm of approximately 5 cm in size was found 2 weeks after onset during the examination for deep venous thrombosis with right lower extremity edema. Manual compression did not achieve thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm due to obesity and leg edema. Considering the severe neurological status of the patient, the pseudoaneurysm was followed up without surgical treatment. Dual antiplatelet therapy and direct oral anticoagulant agents were administered. Four weeks after onset, the pseudoaneurysm presented rapid growth, and on the 35th day after onset, it exceeded 15 cm in size and ruptured, causing hemorrhagic shock with massive femoral hematoma. Pseudoaneurysm resection and hematoma removal were performed surgically, and the patient recovered. However, improvement of neurological manifestations was poor and the modified Rankin Scale at 90 days after onset was 5.

Conclusion

A case of giant femoral artery pseudoaneurysm following recanalization therapy for acute ischemic stroke was reported. Pseudoaneurysms at the puncture site can rupture after significant growth. Curative treatment is required without delay.