Peroperative arterial recanalization with Kensey dynamic angioplasty. Histopathologic studies.

The morphology of occluded superficial femoral artery segments and of particles in the effluent fluid after dynamic Kensey catheter angioplasty was analyzed in six patients treated with an intraoperative retrograde technique. The effluent was collected during the procedure and the arteries were extirpated for microscopy after the recanalization attempt. In three patients with easy recanalization, histologic study showed highly cellular, proliferating connective tissue. In three patients with unsuccessful recanalization, mature, cell-poor connective healing tissue obliterated the lumen. The effluent contained particles measuring 14 to 320 microns, the largest of which had the potential to occlude small arteries. The results of this pilot study are to be regarded as preliminary.