A novel endovascular method of atherectomy for calcified common femoral and popliteal disease using the crosser system: Crossbow and Rambow techniques

This study aims to report the efficacy and safety of new atherectomy methods using the Crosser system for calcified lesions in the common femoral and popliteal artery: the Crosser system supported by bended 0.014 wire (Crossbow) technique and retrograde approach of sheathless Crosser system supported by bended 0.014 wire (Rambow) technique.This report describes a single-center, retrospective study. A total of 23 patients (mean ± SD age, 73 ± 10 years; 19 men) with symptomatic peripheral artery disease received the Crossbow technique and Rambow technique for treatment of calcified common femoral and popliteal disease; these patients were enrolled between October 2013 and October 2015. The primary efficacy outcome was acute technical success, defined as achievement of residual stenosis < 30% for stenting and < 50% for angioplasty or atherectomy. The primary safety outcome was assessed on the basis of angiographic complications.The Crossbow and Rambow techniques were undertaken in 100% and 17% of the patients, respectively. Acute technical success was achieved in 96% of the patients. There were two embolic events.Crossbow and Rambow techniques could be effective atherectomy methods of calcified common femoral and popliteal disease. Regarding safety, embolic protection devices may be needed for our atherectomy methods.