Arterio-venous fistula following endovenous laser ablation for varicose veins.

Theivacumar, N S; Gough, M J · Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg · 2009

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) obliterates incompetent truncal veins as an alternative to varicose veins surgery. We describe 3 patients who developed an arterio-venous fistula (AVF) following great (GSV: 1) or small (SSV: 2) saphenous vein EVLA. Two fistulae closed spontaneously with conservative management. Concomitant venous and arterial wall thermal injury or needle trauma during administration of tumescent anaesthesia may cause this rare complication. Haemodynamic effects appear minimal and spontaneous closure is likely, supporting a non-interventional policy.

Medical subject headings