Cor Vasa 2008, 50(3):125-128 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2008.043

The issue of infected false aneurysms in drug addicts

Miroslav Dvořáček, Martin Bernat, Libor Vlček, Zdeněk Pelák

Chirurgická klinika, Fakultní nemocnice Královské Vinohrady a 3. lékařská fakulta Univerzity Karlovy, Praha, Česká republika

The aim of the paper is to discuss optimal management of infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm in intravenous drug addicts.
Judging by the relevant literature, there is no doubt that the most experienced vascular surgeons come from the USA and Iran. Still, there has not been unanimity as to the best option for managing lower limb ischemia as a one-stage procedure.
Since December 2006, we have treated three such cases in an attempt to save the patient s life and his/her extremity. The socioeconomic aspects of the issue should also not be disregarded.
It seems appropriate to handle each case on an individual basis and to carefully consider revascularization of an infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm as a one-stage procedure.

Keywords: Pseudoaneurysm; Drug addicts; Infection; Ischemia; Bleeding; Thrombosis; Bypass; Amputation

Published: March 1, 2008  Show citation