SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTERIAL ANASTOMOSES AT T HE DISTAL CALF AND PROXIMALFOOT FOR COMPENSATION OF PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

The vascular anatomy of the distal calf and proximal foot was studied in 16 preparations obtained by corrosion. Arterial anastomoses between the different vessels are frequently observed and were also detected by digital subtraction arteriography in 14 patients with peripheral ar terial occlusive disease. The comparison between anatomy and arteriogr aphy revealed that performed anastomoses in the malleolar and proximal fool region are important for compensating crural arterial occlusions . The Ramus communicans posterior, the Ramus perforans of the fibular artery and the Rete calcaneare play an important role. Whereas in othe r vascular territories collaterals dominate for compensation of occlus ions performed anastomoses are of crucial importance at the malleolus.