Open subintimal angioplasty of the superficial femoral and distal arteries.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an open approach to subintimal angioplasty.


METHODS
Through a subinguinal incision and arteriotomy over the superficial femoral artery origin, the opening of a subintimal channel is created surgically. The subintimal plane is advanced distally with a guidewire, and this neolumen is expanded with sequential balloon dilations. The atherosclerotic core is dissected proximally in the common femoral artery and tacked down to ensure inflow. A patch graft closes the arteriotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Open subintimal angioplasty is a simple, minimally invasive alternative treatment for complete SFA occlusion. Long-term follow-up in a large group of patients will be necessary to determine the durability of the false arterial lumen.
Balas
P
P
Department of Vascular Surgery, Hygeia Hospital, Athens, Greece. balasgr@compulink.gr
Pangratis
N
N
Ioannou
N
N
Milas
P
P
Klonaris
C
C
Masouridou
E
E
D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000379:methods*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005263:Femoral Artery; D006801:Humans