Ruptured common femoral vein pseudoaneurysm from a common femoral arteriovenous fistula presenting as lower extremity steal after radiofrequency ablation of the great saphenous vein

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation of the superficial venous systems has become one of the mainstays of minimally invasive approaches to varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency. These procedures have high rates of success with scarce complications. This case report highlights a patient with a common femoral arteriovenous fistula presenting with lower extremity steal after radiofrequency ablation treatment of the great saphenous vein. During operative repair of the arteriovenous fistula, a pseudoaneurysm of the common femoral vein ruptured. We review the current literature and highlight the importance of expanding the scope of complications that can occur from seemingly straightforward minimally invasive venous procedures. Informed consent was obtained for publication of this report.