Retrograde Open Mesenteric Stenting for Acute Mesenteric Ischemia is a Viable Alternative for Emergent Revascularization

Objectives: Significant comorbidities and an exhausted physiologic reserve lead to high mortality rates during operations for acute mesenteric ischemia. We present our experience with retrograde open mesenteric stenting. Methods/Results: A total of 3 female patients (mean age = 74.1 years) with acute mesenteric ischemia underwent exploratory laparotomy. Operative technique included isolating the superior mesenteric artery for cannulation and retrograde endovascular angioplasty and stenting. One required small bowel resection. All 3 patients survived. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months (range: 1.2-16.6). All remain with a 100% primary patency rate. Conclusion: Retrograde open mesenteric stenting for acute mesenteric ischemia is a viable alternative to bypass.