The Durability of Duplex-Directed Manual Occlusion of Femoral False Aneurysms

Duplex-directed manual occlusion (DDMO) has emerged as a first line treatment in selected cases of iatrogenic pseudoaneurysms related to interventional and therapeutic femoral artery cannulations. Early recurrences after successful closure of femoral false aneurysms (FFA) are described in the literature; however, very little long-term follow-up data are available. Therefore, the authors reviewed their experience with DDMO of 45 FFAs between February 1991 and December 1994. Follow-up was arranged to assess the durability of this noninvasive procedure.DDMO was unsuccessful in three of 45 FFAs (6.6%). Symptomatic recurrences of two FFAs were documented by repeat duplex ultrasound at 7 and 20 days post DDMO. Repeat DDMO was successful on one whereas the other required surgical closure. One additional patient experienced persistent groin discomfort despite successful DDMO necessitating surgical evacuation of a large hematoma. Four patients died during the follow-up period. Thirty-five patients with 36 FFAs rem...