How should we manage thrombosis of Viabahn stent-graft? A case report focused on catheter-directed thrombolysis.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of a thrombosed GORE® VIABAHN® endoprosthesis stent-graft in the femoral artery (SFA) and popliteal artery managed using the pulse-spray technique and complicated by compartment syndrome of the lower leg of the affected limb. CASE REPORT A 61-year-old woman with three Viabahn stent grafts relining seven bare-metal stents in her right SFA and popliteal artery visited our hospital with complaint of recurrent lifestyle-limiting claudication of right leg. Angiography and intravascular ultrasound showed complete intra-stent obstruction by thrombus from the proximal right SFA to the proximal popliteal artery. Catheter-directed thrombolysis using pulse-spray technique followed by mechanical thrombectomy was performed. Despite successful recanalization, unfortunately, compartment syndrome developed on her right leg on the following day and fasciotomy was performed. CONCLUSION: The larger thrombus burden in Viabahn stent-grafts and its unique physicochemical properties increases the risk for distal embolic complications and potential poor clinical outcomes.