subintimal angioplasty
Technique for crossing chronic total occlusions by creating a controlled dissection plane.
Full Definition
Subintimal angioplasty is a specialized endovascular technique used to treat chronic total arterial occlusions by deliberately creating a controlled dissection in the subintimal space. The procedure involves advancing a wire and balloon outside the true vessel lumen, within the vessel wall, to bypass the occluded segment and re-enter the true lumen distally. This technique is particularly useful for long-segment occlusions in peripheral arteries where conventional intraluminal crossing is not possible. Success depends on proper patient selection, appropriate re-entry techniques, and adequate distal vessel quality for re-establishment of flow.
Usage
Usage note: Emphasize the intentional nature of the subintimal dissection to distinguish from complications.
In Context
- "Subintimal angioplasty successfully recanalized the chronically occluded superficial femoral artery." — Interventional procedure report
- "The subintimal plane was maintained until successful re-entry into the true lumen was achieved." — Technical procedure description