Wire-loop technique for angioplasty of total iliac artery occlusions

To recanalize occlusions of the iliac artery from an ipsilateral approach, the authors developed a technique in which the guide wire is manipulated through puncture sites in both sides of the groin. This technique was used in four occlusions (three in the common iliac artery and one in the external iliac artery); all occlusions were successfully dilated with balloon catheters. In two cases in which dilation was performed from the contralateral side, the contralateral iliac artery became occluded after the procedure. These occlusions were successfully dilated.