Peripheral vascular occlusions: mechanical recanalization with a metal laser probe after guide wire dissection.

Fourteen patients underwent recanalization of occlusions of the iliac or femoral artery. Subintimal passage of the guide wire and catheter occurred and was confirmed on angiograms obtained after administration of contrast medium. Recanalization of the true lumen was impossible, despite repeated attempts. Rather than abandon the procedure, the authors advanced a 2.5-mm laser probe to the occlusion, and the lumen was successfully reentered without the application of laser energy in 12 patients. The authors believe this technique is useful in traversing arterial occlusions after a standard guide wire technique has failed. The development of a wire and catheter with similar properties might allow the more widespread use of this technique.