Percutaneous ablation of peripheral pseudoaneurysms using thrombin: A simple and effective solution

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of tissue adhesive and thrombin soluti on in the percutaneous ablation of peripheral artery pseudoaneurysms. Methods: Twenty-five pseudoaneurysms were treated over a 33-month period, a ll had failed ultrasound-guided compression. Tissue adhesive or thrombin so lution was injected percutaneously, with needle tip position and changes wi thin the aneurysm confirmed with color Doppler ultrasound. In 19 cases we u tilized a protective balloon inflated across the aneurysm neck prior to the injection of tissue adhesive and in six cases used thrombin injection alon e. 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 embo li detected. One patient developed a contralateral pseudoaneurysm. Conclusions: The percutaneous injection of pseudoaneurysms is a safe. atrau matic, and effective treatment for femoral artery pseudoaneurysms in the pe ripheral circulation. There are significant advantages over ultrasound-guid ed compression or surgical repair.