Closed superficial femoral artery endarterectomy: a 2-year follow-up.

Closed superficial femoral artery endarterectomy is a minimal invasive technique. Through a single groin incision the occluded intima is remotely removed by a newly modified ring stripper. This device has a double ring which acts like remote scissors and enables the surgeon to recanalize long segmental femoral popliteal occlusive disease. The device was used in 103 limbs in 90 patients. The cumulative assisted primary and secondary patency was 86%. This technique is an alternative to bypass grafting when vein is not available.