The anatomical basis for the route taken by Fogarty catheters in the lower leg

The infrapopliteal route taken by Fogarty catheters when introduced through a common femoral arteriotomy is uncontrolled. We studied the passage of a catheter into the femoral artery in twenty cadavers and related the infrapopliteal route taken, to the angles of origin of the three crural arteries. We then attempted to modify the direction of travel of the catheter by manipulation. In 85% of cadavers the catheter passed into the peroneal artery on each of three consecutive passes, and the tip arrested at mid calf. In 75% of cadavers a 30 degrees bend to the tip of the catheter allowed passage into the posterior tibial artery in which case, the catheter could always be passed into the foot. In only one instance, when the angle of origin was unusually narrow, could the anterior tibial artery be entered.