Percutaneous management of iatrogenic arterial venous fistulas by coil spring occlusion

Six patients with iatrogenic arterial venous fistulas (AVFs) underwent successful transcatheter occlusion with coil springs. Three patients had AVFs as complications of surgery and in two other patients the AVFs were due to insertion of the central venous catheters. One iatrogenic AVF occurred following transhepatic obliteration of gastroesophageal varices. Management of iatrogenic AVFs by transcatheter occlusion avoids additional surgery and reduces morbidity and hospital costs. Coil springs are highly suitable for occluding iatrogenic arterial venous fistulas. They need no special preparation, are readily available, inexpensive, and easy to use.