PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, the results following angioplasty by the retrograde transpopliteal approach were evaluated to confirm the indications of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 34 patients were evaluated. Of these 28 were male and 6 were female. Differences to a normal group of patients planned to have angioplasty are the different location of the puncture and on extremely negative selection. RESULTS: Technical success was observed in 84%. A long-term patency ratio of 0.53 was achieved after 30 month. No complications relevant to the therapy were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The transpopliteal approach is a safe and efficient alternative to femoral puncture if the latter is impossible. Compared to the crossover-technique, mechanical considerations favor this technique.
PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, the results following angioplasty by the retrograde transpopliteal approach were evaluated to confirm the indications of this technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 34 patients were evaluated. Of these 28 were male and 6 were female. Differences to a normal group of patients planned to have angioplasty are the different location of the puncture and on extremely negative selection. RESULTS: Technical success was observed in 84%. A long-term patency ratio of 0.53 was achieved after 30 month. No complications relevant to the therapy were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The transpopliteal approach is a safe and efficient alternative to femoral puncture if the latter is impossible. Compared to the crossover-technique, mechanical considerations favor this technique.