Femoral Pseudoaneurysm in IV Drug Abusers: Single-center Study Experience

Background: Pseudoaneurysm of the femoral artery is the most common complication among IV drug abusers who inject drugs in groin. These are usually infective and potentially fatal so it requires astute clinical recognition and prompt treatment, possessing a significant challenge to vascular surgeons. Methods: We present a retrospective descriptive study and the prevalent practice of their management covering the period from 2013 July- December 2019 at our center. Data regarding demography, presentation, surgical management, and the outcome was analyzed. Results: Among 368 femoral pseudoaneurysm operated during the period, groin swelling with pulsatile mass was the most frequent presentation accounting 304 (82.61%) patients. About 67.12% (247 patients) of the pseudoaneurysm has purulent discharge and 60.07% (221 patients) had bleeding at presentation out of which 211patients had hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBsAg) and/or Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status positive. Thirty six patients (9.78%) presented with femoral pseudoaneurysm in both groins. Ligation and excision of the pseudoaneurysm were done in all cases while delayed revascularization was done in eight patients with expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft in one patient and venous bypass grafts in other 7 cases. All patients after bypass had no major limb loss and two patients had a patent graft at five years follow up. There were nine mortalities and thirty two patients underwent amputation. Conclusions: Infected femoral pseudoaneurysm can be managed by ligation of the involved artery with delayed revascularization if required without major limb and life loss. Keywords: Delayed revascularization; drug abuser; infected pseudoaneurysm; ligation

Successful Retrograde Visualization and Recanalization of Chronic Ostial Occlusion of the Left Main Coronary Artery via a Saphenous Vein Graft With the Drilled Balloon Technique

We are representing a case of successful retrograde recanalization of a chronic ostial occlusive lesion of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) via a saphenous vein graft. A 70-year-old male patient, with a history of previous (3 years ago) coronary artery bypass surgery, was evaluated with coronary angiography because of his recent anginal symptoms. Left main coronary artery could not be visualized from the aortic root. It could be visualized with drilled balloon technique which was introduced retrogradely from a saphenous vein graft, and the chronic ostial lesion of the LMCA could be treated with balloon dilatation and stenting. Coronary occlusions can be treated retrogradely via the native collaterals and grafts. The coronaries that are not visualized with an antegrade fashion can be visualized with a retrograde way with the drilled balloon introduced through a patent graft. We could not find any publication about this technique on the web-based research. When encountered with a totally occluded ostial lesion of the LMCA, that cannot be visualized even from the aortic root, it may be tried to be visualized through a patent graft retrogradely. This is a safe and reliable method in patients with a total occlusion of the LMCA who also have a patent saphenous vein graft.

The Artery of Percheron Infarction after Coronary Angiography

Coronary angiography is the golden choice for coronary artery disease evaluation and management. However, as with any invasive procedures, there is a risk of complications. We are reporting a case of 69-year-old male with past medical history of cardiac bypass surgery, CHF, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia who was admitted to the hospital to evaluate his chest pain. He had treadmill stress test that showed ischemic induced exercise. Patient underwent coronary angiography that showed proximal complete occlusion of the RCA with a patent graft. At the end of the procedure, the patient did not wake up and remained minimally responsive. An urgent brain MRI was ordered and showed infarctions consistent with an artery of Percheron infarction. Later, patient has improved slowly and was discharged home. We briefly here discuss this rare complication including the risk factor, clinical presentation, and the management.