Abstract

The collateral knee circulation is responsible for shin and food supply in patients with occlusive diseases. We examined the collateral knee circulation of 74 lower limbs amputated at the thigh with multi-level arterial occlusion by means of anatomical, X-ray methods and the Computer Digital Image Analysis System. We isolated six collateral knee circulation pathways:
1. Anterior tibiofemoral anastomosis (27.0%),
2. Posterior tibiofemoral anastomosis (48.6%),
3. Peroneofemoral anastomosis (5.4%),
4. Anterior popliteotibial anastomosis (24.3%),
5. Posterior popliteotibial anastomosis (59.5%),
6. Popliteoperoneal anastomosis (18. 9%).
Femorocrural anastomoses (1-3) were longer but of smaller diameter than equiponderant popliteocrural anastomoses (4-6). The highest capacity values were observed for posterior tibial artery anastomoses (2, 5), medium values were seen for anterior tibial artery anastomoses (1, 4) and the smallest ones with peroneal artery anastomoses (3, 6). We also noted the coexistence of anastomoses variants. Cognitive values demonstrate clinical implications (estimation of collateral knee circulation development).
key words: collateral circulation, femoropopliteal occlusive disease, ischemia, blood vessels prosthesis, angiography, Computer Digital Image Analysis System

Keywords: Computer Digital Image Analysis System, Angiography, blood vessels prosthesis, Ischemia