Use of a disposable tunneller for arterial bypass to the foot.
BACKGROUND
Performance of pedal artery bypass for limb salvage is well described. A tunneller is required to place the vein graft subcutaneously, but a suitable instrument to achieve this is not always available.


METHODS
A disposable catheter passer used for ventriculo-peritoneal shunts is ideally suited to this purpose, and the technique of its use is described.


CONCLUSIONS
Placement of the vein graft in a subcutaneous tunnel with minimal trauma is easily achieved using this instrument.
Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Western Hospital and University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. barryb2@optusnet.com.au
C Barry
CB
Beiles
D002404:Catheterization; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D023821:Limb Salvage / Q000295:instrumentation*