Arterial Ligation for Infected Femoral Psuedo-Aneurysm in Drug Injecting Abusers

Pseudo-aneurysm of the femoral artery is the most common arterial complication in drug injecting abusers. Scholars in vascular surgery have published debating statements regarding techniques of successful surgical management during last two decades. We present the results of simple arterial ligation in a series of 32 patients presenting with infected femoral pseudo-aneurysm. Most of the patients were males (89%). Young persons in the age group of 15-44 years were mostly affected. Site of lesion included common femoral artery in 65% , superficial femoral artery 28% and at bifurcation 6.2%. celulitis in 14 (53%), abscess & celulitis in 6 (19%), necrosing fasciitis in 2 (6.2%) and vascular abscess in 7 (22%) cases were the forms of associated local infection. There was no hemorrhage, vascular thrombosis, amputation, or mortality. Claudicating were the only complications identified in 2 patients with Tripe ligation. Ligation is the optimal management for infected pseudo-aneurysms because it is easy, cost-effective, and safe. Early reconstruction is not recommended, since there is an extended infection in the location of the pseudo-aneurysm. © 2009 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Medica Iranica 2009; 47(5): 389-392.