Cadaveric allograft implantation to maintain limb viability in a case of traumatic pseudoaneurysm and poor native vessels

Abstract

Infected pseudoaneurysms are a vascular emergency, necessitating urgent surgical management. Owing to the infected field, a synthetic graft may be inappropriate in patients for whom autografting is impossible. Ligation of the artery is the usual management, often leading to amputation. We report a case of cadaveric allografting of the common femoral artery in a patient with a traumatic, infected pseudoaneurysm, who was taking immunosuppressive therapy for a liver transplant. The patient was followed up with ultrasound at 12 months and was found to have a significant graft stenosis, which was treated successfully with angioplasty. At 18 months, the patient remained well. This case describes the successful implantation of a cadaveric allograft into a patient with an infected pseudoaneurysm, negating the for need primary ligation.