Retrograde open superior mesenteric artery stenting: a novel approach to managing occluded ilio-superior mesenteric artery grafts

Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) can be treated either by open bypass grafting or occasionally by antegrade endovascular stenting. We present a patient with symptoms of AMI, in the early postoperative period, following thrombosis of an iliac to superior mesenteric bypass to treat chronic mesenteric ischaemia. A hybrid technique combining open surgery with a retrograde endovascular approach was performed. This allowed for direct visualisation of the bowel and immediate revascularisation of the mesenteric circulation.