Retrograde Guidewire-Assisted Remodeling Technique: A Novel Technique for Endovascular Recanalization of Occluded Arterial Origins in Critical Limb Ischemia

Abstract

Purpose: The main objective of this study is to describe the retrograde guidewire-assisted remodeling technique (REGART), a novel technique, and assess its feasibility, safety, and effectiveness in the recanalization of ostial arterial occlusions without a visible stump in the critical limb ischemia (CLI). Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 387 patients who underwent endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease between January 2020 and June 2021 was performed. Among these, 23 patients (14 males [60.8%]) with a mean age of 64.2 (range: 55-72) years who underwent REGART were included. Patient demographics, procedural details, and outcomes were noted. Results: The technical success rate was 95.6% (22/23). The angiographic success rate was 86.3% (19/22). The procedure-related complication rate was 21.7% (5/23), with 4 (17.4%) major complications and 1 (4.3%) minor complication. Conclusion: In the CLI, results of this trial suggest that REGART is feasible, effective, and with acceptable safety in the catheterization of occluded artery origins without a visible stump when conventional anterograde and retrograde techniques fail. Thus, the target occluded artery can be recanalized while preserving other arterial origins by minimizing dissection risk through subintimal balloon angioplasty at the bi-trifurcation level.