Arteriovenous fistulae complicating central venous catheterization: value of endovascular treatment based on a series of seven cases.

OBJECTIVES

To point out the usefulness and effication of endovascular treatment of arteriovenous fistulae complicating the insertion of central venous catheter.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Retrospective study of 7 cases treated between 1983 and 1993. The central venous catheterization had involved the right internal jugular vein in 5 cases and the right subclavian vein in 2 cases.

RESULTS

Isolated endovascular therapy was performed in 5 cases. Surgery was necessary in 1 case to remove an hematoma. In another case, occlusion of a large AVF was performed during intraoperative endovascular temporary occlusion of the AVF. The choice of the occluding agent was primarily dictated by the hemodynamic and anatomical conditions (releasable balloons, coils). Vertebro-vertebral fistulae (3 cases) could be treated with patency of this vessel. No complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular approach is a reliable and safe method to perform occlusion of post catheter AVF.