Remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy

Remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy (RSFAE) is an effective minimal invasive treatment modality of TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) C and D atherosclerotic lesions of the superficial femoral artery (SFA) with at least equal patency rates as supragenicular synthetic bypass grafts. This procedure is performed through a single femoral arteriotomy and the intima core in the SFA is dissected using the Vollmar ring and the Mollring cutter devices, respectively. The intimal core distally of the transaction zone is secured by an expandable polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol stent. By its minimal invasive character, RSFAE will lead to lower rate of postoperative complications and shorter hospital stay compared to supragenicular bypass graft surgery. Additional advantage in comparison with percutaneous procedures is the opportunity of open endarterectomy of the common femoral and/or profunda artery. Synthetic material will be avoided and vein will be preserved for possible future cardiovascular surgery. Reobstruction of the SFA tends to have, in contrast to bypass grafts, less severe symptoms due to preservation of collaterals and thereby lower amputation rate. Achilles heel of RSFAE is the relatively high percentage of first year restenosis due to neointimal hyperplasia. Strict follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months is advised including duplex ultrasound. In case of symptomatic or asymptomatic hemodynamic restenosis (>50%) percutaneous transluminal angioplasty must be performed to improve long-term patency. The majority of reobstructions can be treated by endovascular means. New endovascular techniques, like balloon cryoplasty or drug eluting stents have to be studied in combination with RSFAE to optimize its technique and improve patency rates.