Recanalization of chronic occlusions of the superficial femoral artery using the outback™ re-entry catheter: A single centre experience†

PURPOSE: To report our experience with a catheter system (The Outback catheter) designed to allow fluoroscopically controlled re-entry after subintimal guide wire passage during recanalization of chronically occluded femoro-popliteal arteries. METHODS: Between March 2007 and August 2008, 65 legs in 61 patients (60% male, mean age 73 (49-98 years) with chronic occlusion of the SFA and proximal popliteal artery were treated. Clinical presentation was severe intermittent claudication (Rutherford category 3, 59%), rest pain (Rutherford category 4, 16%), and minor ulcerations (Rutherford category 5, 25%). In all cases, the true lumen could not be entered by using standard antegrade catheter and guide wire techniques. RESULTS: Median lesion length was 200 +/- 102 mm. Recanalization of the arterial occlusion was successful in 57 of 65 treated lesions (88%). One patient died of myocardial infarction after delayed femoral bleeding possibly due to extensive recanalization attempts. There were no further procedure-related complications. CONCLUSION: Use of the Outback re-entry catheter system is a valuable option for interventional therapy of chronically occluded femoro-popliteal arteries following failed standard antegrade recanalization attempt.