False aneurysm in a vascular surgery patient population

: 40 false aneurysms have been diagnosed at the University Hospital in Zurich during the last three years. These aneurysms are mainly (24) anastomotic aneurysms with synthetic arterial substitutes. 6 false aneurysms were found after arterial catheterization. The majority of these 40 aneurysms (60%) were localized in vicinity of joints. The time interval between the original procedure (anastomosis, arterial catheterization, trauma) and the diagnosis of false aneurysm varies from a few days to 21 years. In seven cases a endarterectomy preceded the development of a false aneurysm. Three therapeutic groups are presented.