FRAP-CROSS technique: Fracking and Rendezvous-PIERCE for intracalcium crossing in femoropopliteal diffuse calcified...

Femoropopliteal diffuse calcified occlusions (FPDCOs) are challenging, especially in high-bleeding-risk patients for whom a stentless strategy is preferred. We introduce FRAP-CROSS, combining Fracking and Rendezvous-PIERCE, to achieve intracalcium guidewire crossing and facilitate stentless revascularization.

When bidirectional intracalcium wiring fails across dense calcification in FPDCO, FRAP-CROSS is applied. Fracking is initially performed by inserting a 20-gauge metal needle into a guidewire-uncrossable plaque and applying hydraulic pressure to create microfractures, facilitating subsequent guidewire crossing. If device tracking remains unsuccessful after guidewire passage, Rendezvous-PIERCE is employed. An 18-gauge needle is advanced toward the intralesional guidewire tip, and the guidewire is externalized through the needle (Needle Rendezvous). A 20-gauge needle is then advanced over the externalized guidewire to create a lumen within the calcification (inner PIERCE). After successful all-intracalcium crossing, balloon angioplasty is performed. Inadequate expansion prompts additional Fracking alone or with Jetstream atherectomy (JET-Frack). Drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty completes the stentless strategy.

A 90-year-old man at high bleeding risk with bilateral FPDCOs underwent FRAP-CROSS. The right limb required three Fracking and two Rendezvous-PIERCE; the left required four Fracking and two Rendezvous-PIERCE, respectively, with adjunctive JET-Frack. Following DCB-based stentless treatment, final angiography and intravascular ultrasound confirmed adequate luminal expansion and blood flow in both limbs, without major complications.

FRAP-CROSS provides a practical approach to achieve all-intracalcium guidewire crossing and stentless revascularization in complex FPDCOs. Further studies should assess its safety and long-term outcomes.