Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty using Filtrap to capture thrombus for chronic total occlusion of superficial femoral artery: a case report

A 75-year-old female was admitted for cerebral infarction and arteriosclerosis obliterans. Computed tomography with contrast medium revealed occlusion of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA)was performed for the SFA (length 30 cm), but massive thrombus was seen in the SFA. PTA was continued using a Filtrap deployed at the popliteal artery to prevent distal embolism and the thrombus was captured by the Filtrap. Finally antegrade blood flow was observed. However, the following day, acute stent thrombosis occurred and emergent PTA was performed. Suboptimal stent expansion and dissection were found. Balloon angioplasty was performed using a Filtrap and another stent was deployed. Final angiography revealed good blood flow in the SFA. Filtrap may reduce the risk of distal embolism during PTA for the lower limb.