A Fine Needle Recanalisation (FNR) Technique for Iliac Artery Occlusions in Endovascular Surgery.

Abstract

Endovascular intervention for chronic total occlusions (CTO) in aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) poses technical challenges. In this manuscript, our experience of fine needle recanalisation (FNR) for treatment of iliac artery CTO is described. A prospective database recorded treatment of 11 limbs in 11 patients since 2011 using this technique. The majority of these CTO were of the common iliac artery (n=9). Technical success rate was 91% (n=10). One failed case was due to tortuous iliac anatomy. There was no restenosis of the treated segments at 8 weeks and no major complications, perforations, major limb loss, or peri-procedural mortality. This technique is a safe and viable adjunct for difficult CTO in AIOD with suitable anatomy. It benefits from being a simple, low-profile, low cost coaxial system and should be part of the armamentarium with other advanced endovascular techniques.