Retrograde tibiopedal access is a new approach to treating the growing problem of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and critical limb ischemia. Many physicians are discovering this technique that offers another method of crossing lesions when an attempt to cross using an antegrade approach does not work. Treatment can then be performed from either an antegrade or a retrograde approach.
Cook Medical is pioneering retrograde tibiopedal access on several fronts. The company has created devices designed specifically for the particular needs of tibiopedal access, such as the Micropuncture® Pedal Access Set. This access set is the first set engineered for tibiopedal access. It features the following technologies:
• a 21 gage, 4 cm EchoTip® needle
• a 40 cm, .018 inch nitinol wire guide
• a 7 cm, 2.9 Fr ID, dual-function Micropuncture introducer
• a Check-Flo® Hemostasis Assembly
Cook’s Vista Collaboration and Learning Program offers courses for physicians who want to learn how to use the products. In addition, the company is conducting the first clinical study of the tibiopedal approach.