Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection of iatrogenic groin pseudoaneurysm: Doppler features and technical tips

Abstract

The practice of angiographic procedures is increasing and, concomitantly, there has been an increase in the incidence of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms (PA). Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is becoming the accepted gold standard in the treatment of PA. It is a cost-effective, safe and efficacious treatment that requires a short learning curve. The aim of this pictorial review is to demonstrate the Doppler and ultrasound features used to diagnose PA and those that help differentiate it from alternative diagnoses, and to describe the procedure of thrombin injection, highlighting technical tips and ways to avoid potential complications.