Early and midterm results of the retrograde transpopliteal approach as the first-line treatment for total occlusions of iliofemoral arteries.

Abstract

This study aims to present our early and midterm results regarding the use of the retrograde popliteal artery approach as the first-line treatment for patients with total occlusions of the iliac or femoropopliteal arteries. Between July 2017 and July 2019, 84 patients underwent transpopliteal retrograde subintimal recanalization for iliac and femoral artery occlusive disease. The procedure was technically successful in 92.9% of the patients and had a complication rate of 5.95%. Complications, including stent thrombosis, dissection, and rupture, were treated successfully. No hematomas were observed at the puncture site. The primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 86.9%, 82.1%, and 77%, respectively. With respectable early and midterm results, the retrograde popliteal artery approach can be considered a primary treatment option for iliac or femoropopliteal arteries' recanalization in selected patients.