Of the 339 patients operated for revascularization of lower extremities 29 (9.4 %) had a coventional contrast arteriograpy failed to opacify at least one vessel that was rest pain in 12 patiens,claudication in 7 patientsnon-healig ulcers in 3 patients an gangrene in 3 patents. 4 patients had more than one indication in 20 (69 %) of 29 patients infrapopliteal run off vessels were the cause for misdiagnosis. İn all patients with failed arteriography a total occlusion proximal to the misidentified vessel was present. As a common finding, peak systolic velocities were less than 0.5 m/sec. in misdiagnosed suprapoppliteal aretries and below 0.25 m/sec. In infrapopliteal arteries.
At operation direct surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosisof color Doppler imaging in all 29 patients. The success of the operation was based upon: intraoperative arteriography, relief of symptoms, warmness of the feet, palpable pulses and color Doppler imaging performed one month after the operation. Excellent short term results were obtained in 27 patients. One early and theree late graft occlusions were detected in a mean follow- up of 20 months.

In conclusion, color Doppler imaging isan excellent and convenient techinique for evaluation of patients with peripheral vascular disease. It demonstrates suitable blood essels for revasvularızation which are not seen on contrast arteriography.ın our opinion color Doppler imaging is a clinically usiful adjunct to conventional contras arteriografphy and musts be performed in patients in which arterigraphpy failed to show any suitable target vessel for revascularızation.