Work

Radiofrequency wire-assisted recanalization of a chronically occluded common femoral vein after intravenous drug use

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Chronic common femoral vein occlusion presents a significant management challenge, particularly when associated with prior intravenous drug use. We report a 52-year-old woman, sober for 10 years, with symptomatic chronic common femoral vein occlusion after two failed recanalization attempts. Successful recanalization was achieved with a Baylis radiofrequency wire (Baylis Medical), followed by balloon venoplasty and placement of a 14-mm Abre venous stent (Medtronic). The patient experienced symptomatic improvement with preserved patency at 3 months. To our knowledge, this report is the first to describe radiofrequency wire-assisted crossing of a chronic common femoral vein occlusion in a patient with a history of intravenous drug use. We also highlight technique considerations unique to the femoral region-multiplanar venography and the use of arterial landmarks to avoid the femoral artery and femoral nerve-to enhance procedural safety.

Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases and Innovative Techniques

DOI: 10.1016/j.jvscit.2025.102091

Authors: Kathleen Gibson, Sooyeon Kim, Kush Desai

Institutions: Northwestern University, Northwestern Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Vascular anomalies and interventions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,250