ABSTRACT
In our series,[20] angioplasty of the iliac or infrainguinal arteries was the most frequent cause of injury, followed by cardiac catheterization. Infrarenal arteriography, coronary angioplasty, and intraaortic balloon pump insertion accounted for the remainder (Table 77-1). Approximately one fourth of the vascular complications occurred in the iliac arteries and three fourths in the femoral arteries (Table 77-2). The most severe injuries occurred in the iliac arteries, requiring a major arterial reconstruction rather than a simple repair in 79% of the cases. Interposition or bypass grafts and endarterectomy with or without a patch angioplasty were usually indicated. Pseudoaneurysm was by far the most common presentation, accounting for more than half of the injuries. Arterial dissections, thrombotic occlusions, and lacerations with persistent bleeding occurred in a similar number of cases. Massive arterial disruptions, arteriovenous fistulas, and hematomas occurred in a small number of patients (Table 77-2).
