SIMPLIFIED METHOD FOR COMPRESSION OF FEMORAL FALSE ANEURYSMS

False aneurysm formation is a not uncommon complication of cardiac cat heterization. Until recently, surgical repair was the only therapeutic option available when conservative management failed However, Doppler -guided compression of the aneurysm has been advocated in recent years ; the method requires prolonged indirect manual compression of the fem oral artery aneurysm and is uncomfortable for both the patient and ope rator. In ten consecutive patients the use of Doppler-guided clamp pla cement and aneurysm compression for 60 min resulted in complete thromb osis of the aneurysm in eight, and only one patient required surgical repair. The procedure was well tolerated by all patients (analgesia wa s administered liberally). Eight patients were discharged within 24 h, one after 2 clays and the single surgical patient remained an inpatie nt for 6 days. Doppler-guided clamp compression of false aneurysms is a safe, effective and cost effective method of managing these patients .