Peroneal-plantar artery bypass: a prone approach

The potential space behind the distal tibia and ventral to the Achilles' tendon provides a route for bypass grafts to the plantar artery. Grafts may follow the communicating branch of the distal peroneal artery to reach the medial aspect of the foot. A prone approach for distal bypasses from the peroneal artery may facilitate exposure, conserve scarce venous conduit, and avoid scarred or infected sites. This peroneal-plantar bypass route has not been described previously. This technique was successfully used in a patient with diabetes mellitus, recurrent foot ischemia, infection, and limited venous conduit after a failed femorotibial bypass.