ABSTRACT
Endovascular procedures are performed using a variety of catheters, guidewires and other tools
which are manipulated within the vessel lumen. Like laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures
the devices are inserted at a remote site. The advantage of all these minimally invasive
techniques is reduction in trauma to the patient allowing a more rapid recovery following
intervention. Themost important disadvantage of a remote approach is lack of immediate access
in case of a complication. For this reason operators need to be able to recognize and repair
problems before they become irreversible. It is essential to be familiar with the devices and
manoeuvers that can be used to rescue endovascular complications. Similarly it is indefensible
to performprocedureswithout immediate access to the equipment tomanage themost common
complications which are likely to lead to open surgery. The basic principles underpinning
this chapter are to minimize harm by adopting the maxim ”prevention is better than cure” and
recognition of when it is either safer to do nothing or use an open surgical option.
