Endovenectomy of the common femoral vein and intraoperative iliac vein recanalization for chronic iliofemoral venous occlusion

Chronic postthrombotic occlusion of the iliofemoral venous segments produces severe morbidity, which can be alleviated if venous drainage is restored. The common femoral vein (CFV) cannot always be fully recanalized with percutaneous endovenous techniques alone. We report the technique combining operative endovenectomy and patch venoplasty of the CFV with intraoperative iliac vein venoplasty and stenting to restore unobstructed venous drainage from the infrainguinal venous system to the vena cava. This procedure led to reduced pain, edema, and healing of a long-standing venous ulcer, with a marked reduction in postthrombotic morbidity. (J Vasc Surg 2010;52:243-7.)