Early and midterm results of the retrograde transpopliteal approach as the first-line treatment for total occlusions of iliofemoral arteries

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to present our early and midterm results regarding the use of the retrograde popliteal artery approach as the first-line treatment for patients with total occlusions of the iliac or femoropopliteal arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between July 2017 and July 2019, 84 patients underwent transpopliteal retrograde subintimal recanalization for iliac and femoral artery occlusive disease. RESULTS: The procedure was technically successful in 92.9% of the patients and had a complication rate of 5.95%. Complications, including stent thrombosis, dissection, and rupture, were treated successfully. No hematomas were observed at the puncture site. The primary patency rates at 6, 12, and 18 months were 86.9%, 82.1%, and 77%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With respectable early and midterm results, the retrograde popliteal artery approach can be considered a primary treatment option for iliac or femoropopliteal arteries’ recanalization in selected patients.