Retrograde popliteal approach to common femoral vein stenosis in an intravenous drug user with hostile groin: a case report

BMJ Case Rep. 2009:2009:bcr0820080768. doi: 10.1136/bcr.08.2008.0768. Epub 2009 Dec 1.

Abstract

Intravenous (IV) drug abuse is a common problem in our society. One complication of this practice is venous stenosis, endovascular management of which can be technically challenging especially in patients with a hostile groin. We describe an ipsilateral retrograde popliteal approach in a 26-year-old IV drug user presenting with swelling of the left leg secondary to common femoral vein stenosis. This approach represents the next best method following failed contralateral/cross-bifurcation access and is a safe, convenient alternative offering a "straight run" at the lesion.