[The frequency of false aneurysms of the femoral artery following heart catheterization and PTA (percutaneous transluminal angioplasty)].

In a prospective study, the arterial puncture site was studied sonographically in 1120 patients who had undergone cardiac catheterisation or angioplasty (renal or extremities). Contrary to the figures in the literature, there was an incidence of 3.84% of false aneurysms (catheters 5.26%, angioplasty 2.36%). Conventional sonography and colour-coded duplex sonography were of equal value for demonstrating false aneurysms, but colour-coded duplex sonography was superior for demonstrating their relationships and haemodynamic effects.