Infected pseudo-aneurysm of the femoral artery caused by a monitoring catheter.

A patient suffering from severe burns developed a mycotic aneurysm in the femoral artery as a result of insertion of a monitoring catheter. Treatment with antibiotics and repeated arterial surgery failed and a below knee amputation was finally performed. The use of monitoring intraarterial catheters in burn patients is to be avoided, because of impaired immunity, wound infection and septicaemia in this type of patient which could facilitate the development of septic aneurysm. If, however, a monitoring catheter is mandatory, it should be inserted and cared for by highly experienced staff who appreciate the risks involved. A peripheral site of insertion should reduce morbidity.