Comparison of efficacy in crossing femoropopliteal artery occlusions with movable core and hydrophilic guidewires.

Purpose: Compare the recanalization rate of femoropopliteal occlusions between movable core wire guide (MG) and hydrophilic guidewire (HG).

Methods: Conventional PTA technique was used, followed by enclosed thrombolysis. The MG was used for all patients in the first 2 years, the HG in the following 2 years. Baseline characteristics were similar for the two groups of patients.

Results: Recanalization of 124 femoropopliteal occlusions was attempted. Technical success was achieved with the MG in 45 of 59 procedures; 42 procedures were clinically successful. Using the HG, technical success was achieved in 35 of 65 procedures; clinical success was achieved in 35 of 65 procedures; clinical success was achieved in 29 cases (p < 0.0048). At 1-year follow-up, 32 extremities improved after treatment with MG and 22 extremities after treatment with HG (p < 0.035).

Conclusion: The results suggest that the MG should be the first choice in recanalization of femoropopliteal occlusions.