Challenging case of iliofemoral venous occlusion due to previous intravenous drug abuse crossed by sharp recanalization technique with subsequent endovascular stenting

Abstract Recanalization of chronic venous occlusions is sometimes technically challenging. We present a rare case of venous occlusion, due to previous intravenous femoral drug use, with a fibrotic peri venous tissue in the groin, hard to cross. This patient presented severe venous claudication with active ulcer. After failure of conventional attempts, we opted for a more aggressive strategy using a modified Chiba needle assisted sharp recanalization technique. We achieved initial technical success in recanalization, but thrombosis eventually recurred due to residual compression on the created extravascular tract.