Femoral artery ligation in treatment of infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by addictive drugs injection

Objective To summarize our experience in management of infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm caused by addictive drugs injection.Methods Clinical data of 45 cases of infeted femoral artery pseudoaneursysm were reviewed retrospectively.When infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed,the femoral artery or external iliac artery was ligated and the pseudoaneurysm was resected in all of cases.Anticoagulants and antibiotics were used after operation.Results Lower limbs were salvaged in 44 patients.The ambulation function of affected limb was fine in the short-term.One limb was amputated because of lower limb deep venous thrombosis and gangrene.Thirty-four patients(75.6%) were followed up for 3-12 months,the results were satisfactory.Conclusions Femoral artery or external iliac artery ligation is an effective procedure for management of infected femoral artery pseudoaneurysm.