Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Research Articles

A novel initial wiring technique for chronic total occlusion of the superficial femoral artery using the structural features of a polymer jacket guidewire

BackgroundTo evaluate the efficacy of the GLadIus MG drilLINg technique (GLIMGLIN), a novel initial wiring technique using the Gladius MG™ structural features, for crossing the superficial femoral artery (SFA) with chronic total occlusion (CTO).MethodsThis retrospective, single-center study enrolled 27 symptomatic patients (mean age 77.4 ± 8.5 years; 20 men) with de novo SFA CTO (mean CTO length 16.1 ± 8.9 cm) who underwent GLIMGLIN as the initial wiring between January 2020 and December 2021. The success of GLIMGLIN was defined when the wire crossing was completed using a Gladius MG™ and a microcatheter without any additional devices and techniques.ResultsThe success rate of GLIMGLIN was 48.1%. Intravascular ultrasound findings showed complete true lumen passage in the GLIMGLIN success group. Compared to the failure group, the proximal (6.3 ± 0.8 vs. 5.5 ± 0.9 mm, p = 0.02) and distal (5.9 ± 0.5 vs. 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.02) reference vessel diameters were significantly larger, and the rate of calcium angle > 180° was significantly lower (30.8 vs. 71.4%, p = 0.04) in the success group. No significant difference was shown in the CTO length between two groups. Total wiring time, total procedure time, and fluoroscopic time were significantly shorter in the success group.ConclusionsGLIMGLIN may enable operators to perform CTO wiring easily and efficiently in selected cases.

A-42 | In-Hospital Outcomes of Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Revascularization in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease is the most common cause of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with chronic total occlusion (CTO) present in 40% of patients. We describe the in-hospital outcomes of patients with and without CKD undergoing SFA CTO endovascular intervention.

Endovascular Recanalization of the Chronically Occluded Native Superficial Artery After Failed Bypass Graft: Midterm Results

PurposeTo evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and outcomes of endovascular recanalization of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) after failed surgical bypass graft. MethodsEndovascular recanalization of SFA CTO was performed for 26 consecutive CLI patients with failed bypass grafts from 2016 to 2020. Patient demographics, bypass and lesion characteristics, procedural data, technical, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. ResultsThe technical success rate was 96.2% (25/26). Retrograde arterial access was used in 16 (61.6%) patients. Additional tibial and iliac angioplasty was performed in 15 and 2 patients, respectively. Fifteen complications occurred in 10 patients, including thrombosis, embolism, vessel rupture, dissection, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm. Pain relief and wound healing were achieved in 22 patients. The primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 95.5%, 100%, and 100% at 6 months, 81.8%, 95.5%, and 100% at 12 months, and 76.7%, 82.7%, and 87.5% at 24 months, respectively. By univariate analysis, hyperlipidemia (hazard ratio = 7.82; 95% CI: 1.27–48.04, P = .026) was found to be the only significant risk factor related to primary patency loss. Amputation-free survival and limb salvage rates were 100% and 100% at 6 months, 100% and 100% at 12 months, and 87.1% and 93.8% at 24 months, respectively. ConclusionsEndovascular recanalization of SFA CTO in CLI patients with graft failures is effective with high technical success rates. Acceptable limb salvage and amputation-free survival rates make this technique a reasonable alternative to repeat surgery for high-risk patients.

Clinical outcome of drug-coated balloon versus scaffold device in patients with superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion.

The demand for endovascular therapy is increasing in an aging society, but the problem of restenosis in the chronic phase has not been resolved in femoropopliteal occlusive disease. Few studies have compared drug-coated balloon (DCB) and scaffold devices in chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). This study aimed to compare DCBs with scaffold in patients with CTO of the SFA. This was a single-center, retrospective study. From June 2018 to December 2019, we compared 31 patients and 33 limbs treated with DCBs and 44 patients and 45 limbs treated with a stent or stent-graft (scaffold) for SFA CTO. The primary endpoint was 12-month primary patency. The secondary endpoints were 12-month freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) and 12-month freedom from re-occlusion. The DCBs were performed using an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided approach or a non-loop wire technique. Baseline characteristics were similar between the groups. An intraluminal approach was performed to use all DCBs. The bailout stent rate was 0% in the DCB group. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that rates of 12-month primary patency tended to be higher in the DCB than in the scaffold group (92.7 vs. 76.6%, p = 0.073) and that freedom from CD-TLR also did not differ significantly between the two groups (96.8 vs. 86.3%, p = 0.17). Kaplan-Meier analysis also showed that the 12-month freedom from re-occlusion rate was significantly less in the Scaffold than in the DCB group (96.8 vs. 79.3%, p = 0.045). Therefore, we concluded that in treatment for CTO of the SFA, a DCB with intraluminal angioplasty without bailout stenting was less re-occlusion compared with scaffold.

Factors Contributing to Efficient Recanalization Procedures for Chronic Total Occlusion of the Superficial Femoral Artery

BackgroundThis study aimed to clarify the factors for efficient procedures (EP) in superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 200 consecutive limbs that underwent treatment for SFA CTO. The patients were divided into three groups according to the main strategies: subintimal angioplasty (SIA) (n = 123), Crosser use (n = 50), and 0.014″ CTO guidewire (CTO-GW) (n = 27). To determine the factors for an EP (EP; contrast volume <130 mL and procedure time <20 min; derived from non-CTO [control] procedures), the variables (P < 0.2) underwent multivariate analysis. ResultsSIA included more Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus C/D lesions and contralateral femoral approaches, and additional GW use (P < 0.05). CTO-GW presented a shorter occlusion length and elapsed time, and used less retrograde approach than the other strategies (P < 0.05). Crossers had a higher incidence of perforation (P = 0.002). The prompt retrograde approach had a similar actual retrograde procedure time, but a shorter total procedure time, compared to that of the delayed adoption (P < 0.001). EP was achieved in 14 limbs (7.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that occlusion length (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81–0.96; P = 0.004) and SIA (OR, 8.71; 95% CI, 1.32–175.27; P = 0.02) were associated with EP. ConclusionsSIA contributed to EP. The timing of the retrograde approach was crucial because its delay resulted in an excessive procedure time.

Endovascular treatment of chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral artery using retrograde approach from popliteal artery

An 55 years-old man with intermittent claudication was admitted to Hue central Hospital. Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography showed his left superficial femoral artery (SFA) was chronic total occlusion (CTO), and we performed endovascular treatment (EVT). We advanced a guide-wire by contralateral transfemoral approach, but guide-wire could not penetrate the occluded SFA lesion antegradely. Thus, we tried to approach the CTO lesion retrogradely. A guide-wire passed from popliteal artery to distal SFA. With a reverse-controlled antegrade and retrograde approach technique, we were able to pass the CTO lesion. Finally, two stents were implanted. We experienced a case in which retrograde approach via collateral channel from popliteal artery was effective to CTO of SFA.

Retrograde popliteal approach for endovascular revascularization of flush superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion: A two-center experience

Introduction: Chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) are generally managed by an endovascular retrograde contralateral “crossover” or ipsilateral antegrade common femoral artery (CFA) approach. In cases with flush occlusion or a very short SFA stump at common CFA bifurcation, antegrade recanalization frequently fails due to an inability to engage the true ostium of the SFA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde popliteal approach for endovascular revascularization of flush SFA CTO. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively investigated 18 patients (14 males and 4 females, mean age 61 ± 14 years) with flush SFA CTO undergoing retrograde popliteal artery (PA) revascularization at two endovascular centers in North India between January 2017 and December 2018. All the patients had critical limb ischemia (CLI) and flush SFA CTO with ostial involvement. Hemostasis was achieved by the manual compression only. Study endpoints were technical success rate, puncture site complications, and limb salvage. Results: CLI with Rutherford category 5 dominated the clinical presentation (56%) with most of the patients presenting late after disease onset. Majority were Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus-C (72%) chronic SFA occlusions (mean lesion length 185 ± 52 mm). Doppler-guided popliteal puncture and sheath placement were successful in 100%. Technical success rate of retrograde revascularization was 83%. Intraluminal recanalization was possible in 56% from the popliteal access, and subintimal recanalization was done in 28%. There was no major access site-related complication or mortality in the follow-up period. The primary patency rates at 6 months and 1 year postintervention were 93% and 80%, respectively. Conclusions: Retrograde PA approach under Doppler guidance was effective in terms of technical success rate of popliteal puncture as well as retrograde revascularization of flush SFA CTO. The approach was safe with no major access site complications.

Endovascular Treatment of Long Superficial Femoral Artery-Chronic Total Occlusions Using the Gogo Catheter With IVUS Via a Popliteal Puncture Method Is Effective, Safe, and Useful.

We aimed to investigate the usefulness of inserting a 6Fr sheath guided by duplex ultrasonography via a popliteal artery puncture. We also aimed to demonstrate endoluminal tracking using a retrograde approach using the Gogo catheter with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). The bidirectional approach is useful for increasing the success rate of the procedure for long superficial femoral artery-chronic total occlusions (SFA-CTOs). However, this procedure becomes somewhat complicated. Since the proximal blood vessel diameter is clearly larger than the distal end of the CTO and the body surface duplex guide can also be used in the proximal part, it is easier to introduce a retrograde guidewire (GW) into the proximal end. We performed endovascular treatment for long SFA-CTOs with a Gogo catheter + IVUS guide in 31 consecutive cases (male 20/female 11; mean age, 75.6 ± 7.6) from May 2017 to November 2018. We advanced the IVUS until the true lumen could be confirmed and advanced the Gogo catheter toward the IVUS for reinforcement. We attempted to approach the long CTO by repeating this procedure. We named this procedure the GIP method (GIP: Gogo catheter with IVUS via a popliteal puncture). Hemostasis of the popliteal artery was achieved using a commercially available compression hemostatic kit (Tometa-kun, XEMEX, Japan). Successful revascularization was achieved in all cases (in 2 cases, a femoral artery puncture was added, and a bidirectional approach was used, and in 1 case, a CROSSER system was used). On average, the fluoroscopy time was 42.2 ± 30.4 minutes, radiation dose 93.7 ± 78.7 mGy, and amount of contrast medium used 15.0 ± 9.6 mL. The procedure time was defined as from the start of the popliteal artery puncture to the time the GW passed through the CTO lesion, including the posture transformation time from prone to the supine position. The procedure time was 42.1 ± 40.2 minutes. There were no major adverse events or other major complications, such as a distal embolism, rupture of the CTO lesion, arteriovenous fistula, or major hematoma requiring a transfusion or surgical treatment. Only 2 small hematomas occurred at the popliteal artery puncture site. The patients were treated conservatively and were discharged as usual. Endovascular treatment of long SFA-CTOs via the popliteal approach was effective and safe. Using the GIP method to address long SFA-CTOs is recommended.

P4706Sex-related differences in clinical outcomes after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in patients with peripheral artery disease

Abstract Aim There are inconsistent data on the sex-related differences in clinical outcomes after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We aimed to investigate sex-related differences in clinical outcomes after PTA. Methods A total of 939 consecutive patients undergoing PTA were enrolled in two large volume centers. Patients were stratified by gender. Baseline characteristics, procedural and long-term clinical outcomes were compared between women and men. Results Women represented 37.4% of the study population. Women, compared to men, had more often hypertension (92% vs 86%, p=0.001) and diabetes (54% vs 46%, p=0.02). However, men presented more often with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (14.8% vs 6.8%, p=0.0003), coronary artery disease (45.4% vs 32.7%, p=0.0001), smoking (60.4% vs 45%, p=0.007) and previous PTA (25% vs 17%, p=0.005). There were no differences in 120-month all-cause mortality between groups (women vs. men: 29% vs. 21%, p=0.6). Men were at higher risk of re-PTA at 5-year follow-up (40% vs. 49%; p=0.03). Moreover, male sex was an independent predictor of re-PTA (age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.276 (1.015–1.614), p=0.03). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, a superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion (SFA-CTO) (hazard ratio [HR]) (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.68 (1.12–2.5), body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio (HR)) (95% CI): 0.93 (0.87–0.99), baseline creatinine level hazard ratio (HR)) (95% CI): 0.95 (0.88–0.99) were identified as independent factors of re-PTA in women. Figure 1. Months to re-PTA for grouping variable male. Conclusion Male sex was identified as an independent predictor of re-PTA. SFA-CTO, BMI and baseline creatinine level were associated with re-PTA in women.

Five-year outcomes after revascularization of superficial femoral artery occlusion using Ocelot catheter.

IntroductionThe population of patients with lower limb atherosclerosis includes a considerable proportion of individuals with long superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) represent the “last frontier” of percutaneous interventions. While open strategies are considered earlier as standard management for these lesions, the results of a number of trials indicate that endovascular management might become an effective alternative to surgery.Material and methodsThis paper presents 5-year outcomes of a first-in-man (FIM) study (before CE mark) and the registry of OCT Guided Ocelot Catheter (Avinger) for chronic total occlusions of the superficial femoral artery. The study group comprised 10 patients with Rutherford 3 lower limb ischemia including nine men and one woman.ResultsThe efficacy of the primary intervention was 90%. Angiography performed at 6 months of the procedure, according to the study protocol, revealed 3 and 1 cases of restenosis and reocclusion, respectively, repaired using PTA and open common and deep femoral artery patch plasty. Doppler ultrasound performed at 1, 2 and 5 years after the primary intervention did not reveal significant target vessel restenosis. The primary and primary-assisted patency was 89%. During a 5-year follow-up, four peripheral percutaneous interventions and one femoropopliteal bypass surgery were performed in non-target limbs. There were no cardiovascular deaths, myocardial infarction or stroke and no amputation was required.ConclusionsThis is a first-in-man study reporting long-term follow-up after SFA CTO revascularization using the Ocelot catheter. The catheter proved to have a satisfactory safety profile and a high proportion of CTO crossings. A 5-year follow-up revealed high primary and primary-assisted patency rates.

SFA Intervention: Intraluminal or Subintimal?

Subintimal angioplasty (SA) is an endovascular technique to recanalize an occluded arterial segment through an extraluminal channel between the intima and media. Since its introduction in 1989, the technical success rate has improved with the accumulation of procedural experience and the development of retrograde approaches and re-entry devices. To date, no randomized trial has compared SA with intraluminal angioplasty (IA) for chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Based on limited data from several registry studies, SA appears to achieve a higher technical success rate than IA, whereas mid-term primary patency rates are comparable for both endovascular wiring strategies for SFA CTO. Additional clinical data are needed to confirm that SA is as effective as IA. The optimal stenting strategy and role of drug-eluting technologies also need to be defined to improve SA outcomes.

Recanalization of native superficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion after failed femoropopliteal bypass in patients with critical limb ischemia.

This study aimed to examine the outcomes of endovascular recanalization for native superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) after femoropopliteal bypass failure with limited surgical revascularization options. Endovascular recanalization of native artery occlusions has been recently used as a new alternative for threatened limbs after bypass graft occlusion. The feasibility and efficacy has not been widely reported. We retrospectively analyzed 45 consecutive patients (45 limbs) undergoing endovascular recanalization of native SFA occlusion following failed femoropopliteal bypass between June 2010 and December 2016. All limbs had Transatlantic Inter-Society Consensus class C (26.7%, 12/45) or D (73.3%, 33/45) lesions with a mean lesion length of 29.8 cm. The technical success rate was 95.6% (43/45 limbs). The ABI showed a significant increase from 0.3 ± 0.1 pre-procedure to 0.7 ± 0.1 post-procedure (P < 0.01). Two early (<30 days) below-knee amputations due to acute thrombotic ischemia occurred during perioperative period and resulted in one death due to myocardial infarction. The mean follow-up was 42.7 months (1-62 months). Two patients were lost to follow up. The primary patency rates at 12 and 36 months were 54% and 51%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 12 and 36 months were 78% and 61%, respectively. Limb salvage rate was 95% and amputation-free survival rate was 88% at both 12 and 36 months. Recanalization of native SFA CTO due to failed femoropopliteal bypass offers a feasible and safe alternative to surgical reconstruction with acceptable limb salvage.

Mid-Term Outcomes of Stent Overlap in Long Total Occluded Lesions of Superficial Femoral Artery.

BackgroundSuperficial femoral artery chronic total occlusion (SCTO) is a common type of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Endovascular therapy is a treatment approach that has a poor long-term success rate in this group. The aim of this study was to compare the mid-term results of two different uses of nitinol stents in long SCTO lesions (>100 mm): the use of one long stent or two shorter stents.Material/MethodsOf 154 patients who underwent percutaneous infrainguinal interventions from 2011 to 2014, a total of 170 CTO lesions were selected for this retrospective study analysis. The mean age of the study population was 63.4±10.4 years (range 29–89 years); 71.8% of the patients were male.ResultsPatients were divided into two groups according to the number of stents used. Patients treated with a single stent were placed into group A and patients treated with two stents were placed into group B. The stent fracture rate was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (29.2% vs. 42%). Type 1 and 2 fracture rates were higher in group A, but type 3 and 5 fracture rates were significantly higher in group B. The rate of stent restenosis was significantly higher in group B compared to group A (45.1% vs. 54.5%, p=0.05).ConclusionsMid-term patency rate was low in patients with long totally occluded superficial femoral artery (SFA) lesions. Using a long single stent had an acceptable mid-term patency rate compared to using a two stent strategy. Stent fracture seemed to be the main reason for in-stent restenosis in cases of multiple stenting. A long single stent strategy may be more appropriate and reasonable than a two stent strategy in the treatment of long SFA lesions.

Simultaneous Antegrade-Retrograde Subintimal Revascularization of a Femoropopliteal Chronic Total Occlusion by a Reentry Device–Facilitated Puncture of a Retrogradely Inserted Balloon

Purpose: To report a rendezvous technique for subintimal revascularization of a chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Technique: This maneuver is appropriate after failure to cross a long SFA CTO via intra- and subintimal approaches from the ipsilateral femoral as well as retrograde posterior tibial artery (PTA) access sites. After predilation of the subintimal space from the femoral access, a reentry device was placed at the level of the first popliteal artery segment. A balloon was delivered via the retrograde PTA access and inflated at the corresponding level of the reentry device. The balloon was punctured with the needle of the reentry device under fluoroscopic control, and a 0.014-inch guidewire was placed within the punctured balloon. The balloon and the antegrade guidewire were retracted from the retrograde access while the guidewire was gently pushed from the femoral site. Conventional balloon angioplasty of the SFA occlusion was performed via the femoral access, followed by overlapping stent-graft implantation. Complete revascularization of the CTO was documented. Conclusion: In selected cases a transfemoral reentry device–assisted puncture of a retrogradely inserted balloon within the subintimal space may facilitate a rendezvous and revascularization if standard techniques to cross long CTOs have failed.

Extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair: a case report.

IntroductionLimb occlusion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a well-known complication. However, extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion are extremely rare.Case descriptionWe report a rare case of extensive ischemic ulcers that developed seven months after EVAR in an 85-year-old Japanese man. He had been taking appropriate anticoagulant therapy because of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. Angiography showed a left limb occlusion and superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO), and intravascular ultrasound showed limb kinking. Endovascular therapy (EVT) was performed, and stent placement was used to cover a large amount of thrombi and correct the limb kinking, leading to complete recovery of left limb blood flow. After additional EVT was performed for the SFA CTO, outflow improved and the ulcers healed completely.Discussion and evaluationIt seemed that the combination of poor inflow and poor outflow led to limb thrombosis.ConclusionsHere, we describe an extremely rare case of extensive ischemic ulcers due to limb occlusion after EVAR. Patients should undergo careful follow-up after EVAR to monitor blood flow to the lower extremities. Additionally, the early detection and correction of limb kinking and poor outflow are essential to prevent the development of ischemic ulcers.

Abstract 19488: Improved Success in Patency and Symptomatic Relief Using Optical Coherence Tomography Guided Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention Compared With Standard Techniques

Background: Superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO) peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) is a challenging procedure given the longer procedure times, larger amount of radiation dose, and lesser procedural success. The aim of this single center analysis is to determine if patency and symptom relief is improved using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) based Ocelot versus conventional guidewires in SFA CTO PVI. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 213 patients with SFA CTO undergoing PVI with either traditional techniques or the Ocelot device. Outcomes measured were death, vascular complications, procedural success, Rutherford class improvement, and a composite endpoint of ABI improvement above 0.9, ultrasound duplex velocity less than 250 m/s and Rutherford improvement. Unadjusted and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: 36 cases of SFA CTO were performed with the Ocelot device, while 177 were performed with traditional guidewire techniques. Both improvement in Rutherford Class and the composite endpoint of success were significantly better with using the Ocelot device in the unadjusted analysis. They remained significant after performing multivariate analysis. Conclusion: The Ocelot device is a revolutionary device the successful and effective management of SFA CTO PVI. Symptomatic relief and patency are demonstrated here to be significantly improved when utilizing the Ocelot device. Further analysis of lesion length and calcium burden are needed to determine its optimal use for procedural and long term success.

Popliteal Retrograde Approach is Effective and Safe for Superficial Femoral Artery Chronic Total Occlusion.

Endovascular treatment (EVT) using a popliteal approach is effective for superficial femoral artery (SFA) chronic total occlusion (CTO); however, its effectiveness, safety, and consequent complications are unclear. We studied 324 consecutive EVTs (in 187 patients) performed at three centers between April 2008 and March 2013, and selected all EVTs that included SFA CTO regions. A total of 91 EVTs (in 65 patients) were included and divided into two groups; "with popliteal approach" (WPA) and "without popliteal approach" (WOPA). Despite higher rates of hypertension (WPA, 88.9% vs. WOPA, 69.1%; p = 0.04) and CTO length >200 mm (55.6% vs. 28.3%, respectively; p <0.01), the primary success rate was better in the WPA group (97.2% vs. 78.2%, respectively; p <0.01); however, both total complication rate and major complication rate were not significantly different. We compared popliteal puncture using a sheath and using a microcatheter alone. There were no significant differences between sheath and microcatheter use in terms of primary success rates (95.5% vs. 100%, respectively; p = 0.61) and puncture site complications (22.7% vs. 14.2%, respectively; p = 0.53). A popliteal approach improved the primary success rate of EVT for SFA CTO.

Crossing chronic total occlusions with the Ocelot system: the initial European experience

The aim of the study was to determine the safety, efficacy and feasibility of a new chronic total occlusion (CTO) device using optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology, the Ocelot catheter (Avinger, Inc., Redwood City, CA, USA), for crossing of SFA CTOs following guidewire failure. Prospective, multicentre, market preference testing. Thirty-three patients with confirmed CTO (99-100% stenosis by visual estimate) of their superficial femoral artery (SFA) were treated between September 28, 2011, and December 9, 2011, at three European centres. Ocelot crossed 94% (31/33) of CTOs, allowing guidewire placement in the distal true lumen. All (100%) lesions were treated without any major adverse safety events. Procedural time and contrast dose were significantly reduced (p<0.0001) when compared with a similar, non-OCT-guided CTO crossing device (Wildcat catheter; Avinger, Inc.). Overall physician feedback on the catheter performance was positive with an 87% average rating of excellent or good across seven categories. Performance ratings of Ocelot's OCT imaging guidance were consistently positive with an 86% average rating of excellent or good across five OCT categories. The Ocelot catheter combines advanced CTO crossing technology with real-time OCT guidance. When compared with a similar non-OCT-guided catheter, crossing efficacy and safety profile improved. Total procedure time and contrast volumes were significantly reduced. The Ocelot is a safe, efficient and effective tool for crossing CTOs.

Retrograde Recanalization Technique for Use After Failed Antegrade Angioplasty in Chronic Femoral Artery Occlusions

To describe a technique to approach chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) after failed antegrade recanalization as an alternative to a conventional transpopliteal approach. A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 50 patients (37 men; mean age 71 years) who underwent retrograde recanalization via a distal SFA access after failed antegrade recanalization of SFA CTOs that were not beyond the adductor canal. Antegrade recanalization failed due to flush SFA occlusion, occluded stents, wire perforation, and re-entry failure. Retrograde SFA access required introduction of a 7- to 15-cm, 21-G needle distal to the occlusion. A 0.018-inch guidewire was inserted through the needle followed by a 4- or 6-F, 10-cm sheath or dedicated support catheter only. All retrograde SFA punctures were performed with the patient in the supine position. Once retrograde passage of the occlusion was successful, oftentimes requiring a "double-balloon" technique to disrupt the dissection membrane with abutting balloons delivered from both access sites, balloon angioplasty and/or stenting could be performed from either direction. Retrograde puncture of the distal SFA was successful in all cases. Retrograde recanalization involved insertion of a 6-F sheath in 3 (6%) cases, a 4-F sheath in 32 (64%), and a sheathless approach in 15 (30%). The "double-balloon" technique was necessary to achieve guidewire passage in 12 cases. Recanalization was successful in 48 (96%) cases. Hemostasis time at the distal puncture site was 9.2 minutes (range 3-30). Perioperative complications included 4 pseudoaneurysms (2 groins, 2 distal), 1 peripheral embolization, and 1 small arteriovenous fistula at the distal puncture site. For failure of antegrade recanalization of SFA occlusions, the retrograde SFA puncture distal to the adductor canal with the patient remaining supine is a safe and successful technique that represents a convenient alternative to the conventional transpopliteal approach.

Clinical outcomes after percutaneous peripheral intervention for chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral arteries: Comparison between self-expandable nitinol stent and stainless steel stent

It has been reported that nitinol stents provide higher patency in chronic phase than stainless steel stents after intervention to superficial femoral artery (SFA). However, there are few reports about stent patency for chronic total occlusion of SFA (SFA CTO). To compare clinical outcomes of self-expanding nitinol stents and stainless steel stents after percutaneous peripheral intervention (PPI) for SFA CTO. Between April 2004 and August 2007, a total of 25 SFA CTO lesions (nitinol stent group, 13; stainless steel stent group, 12) in 21 patients were treated with PPI, all patients were followed clinically, and 21 lesions (nitinol, 9; stainless steel, 12) received follow-up angiography. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics, mean stent diameter (7.3+/-0.7 mm vs. 6.9+/-1.2 mm, p=0.32), pre-ankle-brachial index (ABI), and Fontaine stage between groups. Mean occlusion length and stent length were significantly longer (129.5+/-54.9 mm vs. 39.0+/-20.6 mm, 250.8+/-90.0 mm vs. 145.2+/-64.6 mm, respectively, p<0.01) and number of stents was significantly larger (2.8+/-0.9 vs. 1.6+/-0.5, p<0.01) in the nitinol stent group. At follow-up, ABI was significantly lower (0.73+/-0.20 vs. 0.95+/-0.13, p=0.04), restenosis rate and target lesion revascularization was significantly higher (58.3% vs. 15.4%, p=0.03; 50.0% vs. 7.7%, p=0.02, respectively) in the stainless steel stent group. Our study demonstrates the superiority of nitinol stent implantation compared with stainless steel stent implantation for SFA CTO.