Using the OUTBACK Catheter to Overcome Aortic Reentry Issues in Retrograde Open Mesenteric Stenting

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the use of the OUTBACK catheter to overcome aortic reentry issues in acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) treated by retrograde open mesenteric stenting (ROMS). The technique is demonstrated in two female patients presenting with late AMI related to flush occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). In such cases of thrombotic AMI with clear preoperative evidence of intestinal necrosis, ROMS is the first-line revascularization technique in our intestinal stroke center. Following an open approach of the SMA through laparotomy, the SMA was punctured in a retrograde fashion. Retrograde mesenteric subintimal recanalization was initiated. In case of aortic reentry issue, the OUTBACK Elite (Cordis, Hialeah, Fl) catheter was advanced through the occlusion over a 0.014 guidewire. The aortic reentry was created by puncture of the aortic wall with the OUTBACK needle, positioned in the desired position. After low-profile balloon angioplasty of the reentry site and 0.035 guidewire exchange, ROMS was performed using balloon-expandable covered stent. The OUTBACK catheter appears to be a safe and effective tool to overcome aortic reentry issues in ROMS. This technical tip might therefore increase the technical success rate of challenging ROMS and decrease the need for bailout bypass in the septic context of AMI.