Preparation of the calcified tibial artery for bypass grafting.

This method of preparation of calcified tibial arteries for bypass grafting produces softening of the arterial wall to permit vascular control and the construction of a technically precise anastomosis. The presence of the inflated intraluminal balloon during compression of the arterial wall inhibits violent cracking of the calcific skeleton and displacement of calcium plates into the lumen. This results in fewer intimal flaps and the preservation of an undisrupted outflow tract.