Simple technique to decrease total clamping time during combined iliac and femoral endovascular procedures.
PURPOSE: To describe an alternative method of gaining vascular access while preserving blood flow to the profunda femoral artery during combined iliac and superficial femoral artery (SFA) recanalization. TECHNIQUE: A sheath is introduced through the occluded SFA to reduce the total ischemic time when both the external iliac artery and SFA are obstructed. After iliac stenting and remote endarterectomy of the SFA with stent-graft deployment, blood flow to the profunda is interrupted only briefly when the proximal anastomosis of the femoral endobypass is completed. CONCLUSIONS: Sheath insertion into the proximal portion of an occluded SFA can be an effective option in reducing ischemic time when dealing with combined iliac and femoral endovascular procedures.