Open surgical treatment of a 34-year-old arteriovenous fistula of the lateral plantar artery after failed coil embolization.

Trauma-induced arteriovenous fistulas of the plantar artery are exceedingly rare. Although they may initially remain asymptomatic, progressive shunt flow can, over time, result in venous hyperperfusion and congestion. Definitive treatment requires closure of the fistula to restore physiological venous circulation. Endovascular embolization is the primary, minimally invasive treatment and is effective in achieving thrombosis and symptom control in many cases. In the present case, endovascular coil embolization was insufficient, and surgical closure of a chronic arteriovenous fistula of the lateral plantar artery proved to be a reliable and promising treatment alternative.