Abstract:Objective: To investigate the technique of retrograde stent placement for superior mesenteric artery (SMA) occlusion. Methods: The data of a patient undergoing retrograde recanalization for symptomatic SMA occlusion in February 2017 in the Department of Vascular Surgery of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University were reviewed. Results: The patient was a 47-year-old woman, and was diagnosed as chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) caused by SMA occlusion, and then underwent endovascular treatment for SMA recanalization. Both brachial artery and femoral artery approaches failed to cross the lesion, due to the complete occlusion and no stump left at the origin of the SMA. Then, the SMA occlusion was revascularized via retrograde crossing through the gastroduodenal collateral pathway between the celiac axis and SMA. After docking with the guidewire, the catheter via brachial artery was anterogradely and uneventfully advanced through the lesion, and then balloon dilation and stent placement were completed. The symptoms of CMI of the patient disappeared after operation, and follow-up CTA performed 3 months later demonstrated appropriate stent positioning and distal vascular patency. Conclusion: For patients with SMA occlusion after failed attempts by conventional interventional approaches, retrograde recanalization through collateral pathway remains feasible.