Outcome after ligation of infected false femoral aneurysms in intravenous drug abusers.

Abstract

to determine the outcome of a policy of ligation with observation of infected false femoral aneurysms (IFFA) in intravenous drug abusers (IVDA), particularly with respect to the issue of limb preservation. a retrospective study. thirty-seven consecutive cases of IFFA in 34 patients accrued over nine years were studied by case note review and by clinical or telephone interview. in 34 cases of ligation of primary IFFA there were no amputations, with patients describing claudication only in follow-up. In three cases of second IFFA in the same limb, repeat ligation resulted in two viable limbs with claudication only, and one above-knee amputation. At the nine year follow-up, all patients were still drug-dependent and considered unsuitable for late revascularisation. There were three deaths and all were drug-related. in our experience, ligation of IFFA is effective, safe and simple, and is the most appropriate method of dealing with these challenging cases.