Retrograde transpopliteal salvage of the failed antegrade transfemoral angioplasty.

Following unsuccessful conventional antegrade transfemoral angioplasty (six occlusions, one stenosis) seven patients underwent retrograde transpopliteal catheterization to retrieve the situation. The procedure was successful in five patients. The other two patients had small calibre popliteal arteries that went into spasm on attempted puncture. Provided the popliteal artery is of adequate calibre, the procedure is a relatively straightforward technique recommended for retrieval of failed antegrade angioplasty.