ABSTRACT
A visceral artery occlusion identified on angiography usually appears longer than it actually is. Often, the occlusion starts at the origin of the artery and the precise location of the origin can sometimes be difficult to identify. Frequently, there are hints as to where the origin of the artery is located or if there is a beak of contrast or there is a significant amount of calcification in the area where the artery is located. Balloon-expandable stents are used to treat these lesions. This procedure may be approached from either a transfemoral route or a transbrachial route. The angles for cannulating a flush occlusion are fairly unfavorable from a transfemoral route. However, if the artery is still open or if there is a beak of entry contrast into the artery, then it may be possible to cannulate it in this way. It is usually a good idea to have a preprocedure study, which indicates the location and severity of visceral artery occlusive disease. In addition, a full array of premounted balloon-expandable stents should be available including low-profile systems.
