[Temporary distal arteriovenous fistula in the treatment of post-thrombotic iliofemoral occlusion].

Post-thrombotic iliofemoral occlusion, not rarely encountered, causes significant long-term disability of the patients. Satisfactory method of treatment is not available. Temporary distal arteriovenous fistula was made in 9 patients (10 legs) with iliofemoral occlusion with excellent results which were confirmed by average follow-up of 2 years. The mechanism is thought to be that after surgery the arteriovenous fistula may open and dilate the pelvic venous collaterals to relieve the venous hypertension of the diseased limbs.