Endovascular stent-graft treatment of traumatic arterial lesions

Twenty-nine cases of post-traumatic false aneurysms and arteriovenous fistu las (AVF), with a mean follow-up of 24 months (1-65 months), are presented here. Diagnosis was established by color duplex and arteriogram. The time b etween injury and treatment varied between 3 days and 61 months. Endovascul ar treatment was accomplished using a covered Palmaz stent [vein, polytetra fluoroethylene (PTFE), or polyester], Corvita endoluminal graft, or a Wallg raft. Complimentary treatment of a branch injury was performed using a deta chable balloon in one patient. The initial result was favorable for all pat ients. One case of asymptomatic stenosis of an iliac stent graft and three occlusions of the stent (one subclavian, one axillary, and one internal car otid) were registered during the follow-up period, and no clinical manifest ations of the occlusions were reported. Endovascular treatment of post-trau matic false aneurysms and AVF appears to be a promising alternative for tre atment of these lesions. Less pain and disability as well as rapid recovery time and lower cost after endovascular treatment compare favorably to the standard surgical technique.