Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection for treatment of superficial traumatic pseudoaneurysms and associated expanding hematomas: experience in five patients.

BACKGROUND: Angiography allows for excellent characterization and treatment of traumatic pseudoaneurysms. However, ultrasound-guided thrombin injection for pseudoaneurysm thrombosis allows for radiation-free treatment of superficial pseudoaneurysms and superficial expanding hematomas.

METHODS: A retrospective review of 5 patient cases treated under this paradigm was performed following institutional review board approval. Outcomes following intervention were recorded and compared amongst the patient cohort.

RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided closure of traumatic pseudoaneurysms allowed for reduced procedural times and procedural invasiveness.

CONCLUSIONS: As demonstrated by the following cases, ultrasound guided thrombin injection is a good method of primary treatment for superficial pseudoaneurysms, or as an alternative treatment in cases where transcatheter embolization fails.