Cross-sectional pattern of collateral vessels in patients with superficial femoral artery occlusion.

Rationale and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the cross-sectional location of collateral vessels in patients with peripheral vascular disease on three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiograms (3D MRAs) to suggest sites for intravascular or transcutaneous angiogenesis gene delivery in the lower extremity.
Methods: The axial locations were measured and categorized by tissue compartments, as well as by radial coordinates with respect to the femur.
Results: Collateral vessels in the thigh were identified in 24 of 93 consecutive patients who underwent peripheral 3D MRA. Ninety-one percent (99/109) of the observed collaterals were located near the adductor canal level of the thigh, with 78% (31/46) of these collaterals located in the fat in or surrounding the posterior muscle.
Conclusions: The majority of collateral vessels in the thigh are located in the fat or muscle within the posterior compartment near the femur at the level of the adductor canal.