ABSTRACT

We aimed to describe the technical aspects and outcomes of the retrograde tibial approach and balloon predilation for recanalization of complex infrainguinal arterial occlusions and determine the efficacy of this approach in minimizing failure rates.

Between September 2006 and April 2011, antegrade revascularization failed in 22 limbs with complex total occlusions within the infrainguinal arterial territory. For each of these antegrade failure cases in 22 patients, a retrograde tibial puncture had been attempted. Percutaneous recanalization and predilation were initially performed through tibial access, and final balloon dilatation or stent placement was performed from antegrade femoral access. The patients were followed up for functionality and wound healing.

Access from the tibial artery was successfully obtained for all patients (100%). Successful recanalization was obtained in 18 patients (82%). Retrograde access was performed from the anterior tibial/dorsalis pedis artery in 12 patients and posterior tibial artery in 10 patients. One major and one minor complications were documented.

Retrograde tibial recanalization technique in the infrainguinal complex arterial occlusion safely increases the success rates of percutaneous recanalization in the failed traditional approach and is a feasible endovascular option to avoid more invasive, time-consuming, and high-risk procedures.