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.