A novel lesion crossing technique: Balloon deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique

Objectives We evaluated the efficacy and safety of a novel endovascular technique for crossing arterial lesions: The BAlloon Deployment using FORcible Manner (BADFORM) technique. Background Endovascular treatment (EVT) for peripheral artery disease has been widely adopted, and developments in device technology and techniques have resulted in acceptable success rates. However, it may be difficult to deliver devices even after wire externalization, especially in the presence of an extremely long chronic total occlusion or severely calcified lesion. The BADFORM technique might be useful in these cases. Methods We retrospectively reviewed ten consecutive EVT cases using the BADFORM technique performed at our institution between April 2015 and September 2016. In all cases, wire externalization was established with the rendezvous technique. The BADFORM technique was performed when antegrade passage of any device was impossible after wire externalization. Physicians positioned a low‐profile balloon or microcatheter just proximal to the calcified lesion and attached the device to the externalized wire using a torque device at the proximal catheter exit port. The externalized wire was then pulled retrogradely. Results All patients were receiving hemodialysis and had critical limb ischemia. All lesions were severely calcified, and 90% were chronic total occlusions. The technical success and procedure success rates were 90% and 70%, respectively. Delivered devices included five balloon catheters and four microcatheters. One procedure‐related vessel injury occurred at the distal puncture site (digital artery), however, this was controlled by external manual compression. Conclusions The efficacy and safety of the BADFORM technique might be acceptable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.