The Antegrade Approach Using Transbrachial Access Improves Technical Success Rate of Endovascular Recanalization of TASC C-D Aortoiliac Occlusion in Case of Failed Femoral Access.

BACKGROUND

Technical success rates of endovascular recanalizations for Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C-D chronic occlusions are highly variable and depend on the characteristics and sites of the lesions as well as on the operator experience. We hypothesized that an antegrade approach via transbrachial access could improve the technical success rate of endovascular treatment of TASC C-D occlusions in case of failed femoral access.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2012, all patients with symptomatic chronic TASC C-D aortoiliac occlusion were treated with an endovascular-first approach. Recanalization was first attempted using a femoral access. In case of failure, an antegrade approach using a transbrachial access was performed. Patient characteristics, anatomic details, procedural data, and immediate outcomes were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

During the study period, 73 patients (99 arteries) were included. Twenty-seven (37%) patients had TASC C occlusions including 11 bilateral common iliac artery occlusions and 16 external iliac artery (EIA) occlusions involving the common femoral or the internal iliac arteries. Forty-six (63%) patients had TASC D occlusions including 10 aortoiliac occlusions, 31 unilateral occlusions of both common and EIAs, and 5 bilateral EIA occlusions. Technical success with femoral access has been obtained in 53 arteries. An antegrade approach via transbrachial access allowed technical success in the other arteries, except in 7 arteries. Overall technical success rate was 93%, and 2 complications were related to the brachial accesses including 1 thrombosis and 1 pseudoaneurysm both requiring a reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Brachial access for TASC C-D aortoiliac chronic occlusion improves the technical success rate without the need for reentry devices.