Endovascular Recanalization of Aortic Isthmus Atresia with an "Electrified Wire Technique".

PURPOSE: For aortic coarctation in adults endovascular repair is the treatment of choice with an acceptable safety profile. Aortic isthmus atresia is a related condition with a complete occlusion of the aorta not allowing catheterization across the isthmus. This technical note describes a recanalization of an aortic isthmus atresia using radiofrequency with an "electrified wire technique."

TECHNIQUE: A guidewire was selectively denuded of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) at the distal end and was placed through a catheter distal to the aortic isthmus atresia. The denuded end of the wire was clamped to an electrosurgery pencil. By pushing the wire toward a tulip-snare, which was placed as a target proximal of the occlusion via left trans-brachial access, and shortly activating of the electrosurgery pencil the electrified wire recanalized the occlusion and was snared and used to guide implantation of a balloon-expandable covered stent.

CONCLUSION: The electrified wire puncture technique can be used to recanalize adult aortic isthmus atresia after failed conventional attempts.Clinical ImpactThe electrified wire technique offers an off-the shelf option to modify standard guidewires for the use with radiofrequency to cross a complete aortic isthmus occlusion after failed conventional attempts. This new technique may be applied also in other situations like dissection flap fenestration, transcaval access and similar.