Percutaneous closure of adjunctive arteriovenous fistulas after surgical reconstruction of iliac veins

In open surgical reconstruction for chronic iliofemoral and iliocaval vein obstruction, addition of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) can improve patency. The AVF is usually taken down in a second surgical procedure several months after the initial reconstruction. With the advancement of endovascular techniques, percutaneous closure of the fistula has become an option. We have completed percutaneous endovascular takedown of AVFs after surgical reconstruction of iliofemoral veins in three patients using an occlusion device. Complete occlusion was achieved in all cases, and no short-term complications were noted. Endovascular occlusion seems particularly appealing as further surgery in a groin usually scarred by previous open procedures can be avoided