Endovascular management of multiple arteriovenous fistulae following failed laser-assisted pacemaker lead extraction.

A woman presented for evaluation of new-onset left arm edema after failed laser-assisted pacemaker lead extraction. Initial workup demonstrated a left subclavian artery to vein arteriovenous fistula (AVF). She underwent repair of the AVF with placement of a covered stent in the subclavian artery, however, her symptoms did not completely resolve. Investigation revealed a left common carotid artery to left innominate vein AVF, which was repaired by deploying a covered stent retrograde into the left common carotid artery. Her symptoms subsequently resolved. Multiple iatrogenic AVF can be repaired endovascularly, however, a high degree of suspicion for multiple injuries should be maintained. Copyright (c) 2010. Published by Mosby, Inc.