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First case reports of controlled blunt microdissection for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of chronic total occlusions in peripheral arteries

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) can fail to revascularize peripheral arteries when a chronic total occlusion (CTO) cannot be crossed by guidewires. This article describes application of a new controlled blunt microdissection (CMD) catheter designed to cross CTOs. Two men presenting with severe claudication had iliac CTOs that resisted crossing with guidewires. Using standard techniques, the CMD catheter was advanced to the CTO. Following attempts to cross the CTO with guidewires, the jaw of the CMD distal assembly was actuated, advancing through the CTO as plaque was blunt‐dissected. After angioplasty and stenting, restored distal flow was restored. Ischemic symptoms had not recurred at 1‐ and 28‐month follow‐up. The concept of blunt intraluminal microdissection has been applied to convert failing to successful PTA of peripheral arteries. CTOs that had resisted guidewire crossing were successfully crossed using the CMD catheter, allowing treatment by angioplasty and stenting. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2003;59:255–258. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.