Arterial intimal flaps: a comparison of primary repair, aspirin, and endovascular excision in an experimental model.

The optimal management for traumatic arterial intimal injuries is unresolved. Three therapeutic options were compared in an experimental model employing a standard intimal flap created in 51 canine superficial femoral arteries. Group 1 (14 arteries) underwent resection with end-to-end repair. Group 2 (19 arteries) received acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and observation only. Group 3 (21 arteries) underwent endovascular excision of the flap with angioscopic guidance. Control intimal flaps (18 arteries) were created and observed without further intervention. Patency in group 1 (primary repair) and group 2 (ASA) was 100%; the patency in both was significantly (p<0.05) greater than in the controls, which was 67%