A hybrid approach to recanalization of a chronic iliofemoral occlusion

The Viabahn covered stent (W. L. Gore and Associates Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz) is made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene attached to an external nitinol stent and is primarily used in the endovascular treatment of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease. The use of this device as an open conduit for lower extremity revascularization has been rarely reported. We expand on this experience by presenting a case of hybrid endovascular and open iliofemoral bypass in which we used the Viabahn endoprosthesis to recanalize an occluded iliac artery, followed by direct suturing of the distal portion of the Viabahn stent graft to the native common femoral artery bifurcation.