Recanalization of Superficial Femoral Artery By Retrograde Approach Via Popliteal Artery

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To recanalize the occlusive lesion of superficial femoral artery at origin site by retrograde approach via popliteal artery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 15 patients, who were poor surgical candidates due to coronary artery disease and who had severe occlusive lesion of superficial femoral artery close to its origin with good distal runoffs to popliteal artery, were selected. Patients were all~men and range of age were from 53 years to 66 years (mean age63 years). Range of lesion length were from 15cm to 30cm (mean length22.4cm). Localization of popliteal artery was done with Doppler stethoscope or "road-map" DSA. The method of recanalization were transluminal endarterectomy catheter (TEC), TEC and angioplasty, thrombolysoangioplasty (TLA). RESULT: Retrograde puncture of popliteal artery were done in 15 patients successfully. TEC & PTA was performed in 9 patients, TEC only in 2 patients, and TLA & PTA in 2 patients. During the follow-up period of 5 months to 2 years reocclusion did not occurr in 10 patients except for 1 patient with poor cardiac output in whom it occured 1 day later. Remained 4 patients were lost in follow up. Any neurologic or vascular complication did not occur. CONCLUSION: Retrograde approach of superficial fernoral artery via popliteal artery in patients with difficult vascular intervention by common method provides a useful, alternative recanalization method.