Ultrasound-guided compression therapy is a popular non-invasive method for treating pseudoaneurysms. The goal of compression therapy is to induce thrombosis of the pseudoaneurysm by stopping flow within the sac, while still maintaining flow in the affected artery. During ultrasound-guided compression, the transducer is used to place pressure on the area where the neck of the pseudoaneurysm is located. Thrombosis is usually achieved within 30 to 60 minutes with compression cycles of 15 to 20 minutes (Hagen-Ansert, 2012). According to Hagen-Ansert (2012), “success rates of ultrasound compression of pseudoaneurysms have varied from 70% to 86%” (p. 913). Factors that can affect the success rate of ultrasound-guided compression include the size…show more content… This type of treatment is also preferred for patients receiving blood thinners. Thrombin is an enzyme found in blood plasma that causes blood to clot by converting inactive fibrinogen into fibrin. When injected into the pseudoaneurysm sac, thrombin causes a clot to form almost instantaneously. The goal of thrombin injection is to stop the flow of blood between the neck and sac of the pseudoaneurysm. The sonographer uses B-mode imaging to provide a constant view of the pseudoaneurysm while the doctor slowly moves the needle into the sac. (Milne et al, 2012). The thrombin is injected into the pseudoaneurysm until blood flow within the sac ceases (Saad et al., 2005). Flow in the sac is continuously monitored with color Doppler until the procedure is concluded. A follow-up ultrasound within 24 to 72 hours is recommended to verify the success of treatment. Thrombin injection is reported to have a success rate of 97% (Hagen-Ansert, 2012). In instances where blood flow reoccurs, a second injection may be administered. In rare instances, thrombosis of the affected artery may occur if thrombin inadvertently flows into the arterial
