Anastomotic false aneurysms.

Abstract

he development of anastomotic false aneurysms has been a well-described, although rrlatively uncommon, complication of vascular surgery. While various explanations ha\rc been offered for the occurrence of this potentially fatal complication, the use of silk sutures at vascular anastomoses is genrrall) considered to be the most consistent rtiologic factor, as was recently suggcsted in a report by Moore and Hall.” Additional factors thought to contribute to the development of anastomotic aneurysms include wound infection,l stress on the suture line from lower extremity motion,’ degeneration of the host vessels,4s n the type of prosthetic graft material used,“i and the method of constructing the anastomoses.;‘, ‘, ’ In an attempt to clarify the role of the variety of factors to which this complication has been attributed. a. review of the experience with anastomotic false aneurysms at this hospital \vas nradr.