Page 69 - Virtual Vascular Vol 12

Below Knee Popliteal Exploration

72 year old gentleman diagnosed with infective endocarditis presented with a cold,
blue left foot. On clinical examination he had a strong popliteal pulse but absent

dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. A diagnosis of acute limb ischaemia
probably due to septic emboli was made and a popliteal artery exploration and

embolectomy was performed

Anterior tibial artery Peroneal artery

Posterior tibial artery

Tibio-peroneal trunk

Popliteal vein

A skin incision was made below knee on the medial aspect of the leg. The
proximal popliteal artery, anterior tibial artery, posterior tibial artery and

peroneal artery was identified. Embolectomy was performed which revealed
multiple small thrombi

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