What risks are commonly associated with endovascular procedures?

Endovascular procedures, which involve the minimally invasive treatment of vascular conditions, come with several commonly recognized risks. The identification of infection, bleeding, and thrombosis as the main risks is accurate due to the nature of these procedures.

Infection is a concern because any intervention that breaks the skin or introduces devices into the vascular system can serve as a portal for pathogens. The use of catheters and other instruments increases the possibility of microbial contamination.

Bleeding is another significant risk, particularly given that these procedures often involve manipulation of blood vessels. Even though they are typically less invasive than open surgical techniques, the potential for bleeding still exists, especially if there is damage to the vessel or incorrect placement of devices.

Thrombosis, which refers to the formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, can occur as a complication following the procedure. This is often the result of changes in blood flow dynamics after the intervention or reactions to the materials introduced into the bloodstream.

These three risks—infection, bleeding, and thrombosis—are well-documented challenges in the context of endovascular procedures and are critical considerations for any medical professional performing these interventions or for patient management following the procedures.