Giant Anterior Tibial Artery Pseudoaneurysm Successfully Treated on the USNS Mercy
LCDR Victoria S. McDonald, MC USN; LT Kimberly A. Thompson, MC USN; CDR Kevin M. Casey, MC USN
ABSTRACT
The need for an experienced vascular surgeon in the combat setting is not questioned; however, there is a paucity of literature exploring the utility of vascular surgery during an elective humanitarian mission. We herein present a case of a post-traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery treated in the context of a humanitarian mission during Pacific Partnership 2015 aboard the United States Naval Ship Mercy. This case report demonstrates the necessity and unique opportunities for vascular surgeons to participate in humanitarian surgery.
INTRODUCTION
Pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) of the tibial vessels are rare but have been reported following both blunt and penetrating trauma.1,2 Iatrogenic causes have also been described following orthopedic procedures.3–6 Treatment modalities include ultrasound guided thrombin injection, endovascular stenting, external compression, coil embolization, and operative ligation or repair.2,3,7 Various clinical and anatomic factors influence the best approach for each individual patient. We present a case of a patient treated for a large, traumatic PSA in the proximal aspect of the anterior tibial artery (ATA) in Papua New Guinea during the Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15) onboard the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Mercy (T-AH-19).
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