Stent-graft repair of a recurrent popliteal arteriovenous fistula.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the successful endovascular treatment of a popliteal arteriovenous fistula with a stent-graft.


METHODS
A 54-year-old man was referred to our hospital with a distal popliteal arteriovenous fistula following an arthroscopic meniscectomy 6 years earlier. Three surgical attempts to close the fistula were undertaken, but the fistula recurred. He now presented with symptoms of progressive venous hypertension with claudication, swelling of the leg, and ulceration at the ankle. The fistula was closed with a stent-graft deployed percutaneously. At 18 months, the patient is doing well; duplex evaluation has documented the patency of the popliteal artery and the stent-graft.


CONCLUSIONS
Endovascular treatment of a popliteal arteriovenous fistula is an alternative to open surgical reconstruction. In this situation, after multiple failed surgical closures and in a leg with extensive venous hypertension, it may be the best treatment option.
Tielliu
Ignace F J
IF
Department of Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, Postbus 30001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Verhoeven
Eric L G
EL
Prins
Ted R
TR
van Det
Marc
M
van den Dungen
Jan J A M
JJ
D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001182:Arthroscopy; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011150:Popliteal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D011152:Popliteal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries; D011859:Radiography; D012008:Recurrence; D015607:Stents; D018616:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex