[Subintimal angioplasty. Technique, results and role in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease].

Subintimal angioplasty consists in entering the subintimal space proximal to the occlusion, traversing the occlusion creating by angioplasty a subintimal channel exiting downstream in the natural lumen. Major complications rarely occur but compromising important collaterals or run-off vessels may be very deleterious. Subintimal angioplasty is indicated in patients with critical limb ischemia, unfit for anesthesia or in the absence of a suitable venous conduit. This technique is mainly effective in long and tibioperoneal occlusions, a location in which transluminal angioplasty usually fails. Further studies are required to determine the modalities of associated anti-thrombotic treatment and if subintimal angioplasty can be used as primary treatment in critical leg ischemia.