Coil occlusion of a femoral arteriovenous fistula

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Congenital heart disease (CHD) in children can necessitate interventions like femoral cardiac catheterization.
• Femoral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are a rare but potential complication following such procedures.
• Early detection and management of AVFs are crucial to prevent further complications.

Observation:

• A 17-month-old child with known CHD presented with a newly discovered femoral arteriovenous fistula.
• The AVF was visualized and confirmed using angiography with specific techniques like vein compression.
• The anatomical details of the fistulous tract were assessed for interventional planning.

Findings:

• Percutaneous closure of the femoral AVF was achieved using a Gianturco coil.
• The interventional procedure was technically successful, directly addressing the abnormal connection.
• Angiographic evidence confirmed the successful occlusion of the fistula.

Implications:

• Percutaneous coil embolization represents a viable and effective treatment option for pediatric femoral AVFs.
• Minimally invasive techniques can avoid the need for open surgical repair in pediatric vascular complications.
• This case highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for vascular complications after cardiac catheterization in children with CHD.