Arterial Access — Dorsalis Pedis

Current · V5 (2025) → D1.iv Historical · V4 (2023) → X.ii 1 exam appearance

2017A Q13

Exam question

Outline the anatomy relevant to the insertion of a Dorsalis Pedis arterial cannula (50% of marks). Explain the differences between blood pressure measurement at this site compared to measurement at the aortic arch (50% of marks).

CICMWrecks answer

Master answer

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

Origin: Continuation of anterior tibial artery at anterior aspect of ankle joint
Course: Malleoli, over lower end of tibia à Lateral to extensor hallucis longus
- Base of 1st intermetatarsal space
Termination: Divides into
- First dorsal Metatarsal artery: terminal branch
- Deep Plantar Artery: communicates with plantar blood supply
Palpation of the dorsalis pedis artery pulse: On dorsal surface of foot
- lateral to extensor hallucis longus tendon (or medially to extensor digitorum longus tendon)
- distal to the dorsal most prominence of the navicular bone which serves as a reliable landmark for palpation
Acceptable choice for cannulation under most circumstances
- Although it is absent in up to one eighth of the population
- Loop collateral circulation with branches of Posterior tibial artery
The posterior tibial artery is a similarly useful vessel for arterial pressure monitoring. Catheters placed in this artery are less susceptible to kinking on dorsiflexion of the foot than in the dorsalis pedis artery, and they may be particularly valuable in neonates and infants

Source: Diagram used in Procedure – Arterial Access — Master Answer · Source/permission verification pending.

Source: Deranged Physiology – Click to Open

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Exam appearances

1 appearance

Exam	Exact exam wording	Candidate success
2017A Q13	Outline the anatomy relevant to the insertion of a Dorsalis Pedis arterial cannula (50% of marks). Explain the differences between blood pressure measurement at this site compared to measurement at the aortic arch (50% of marks).	30%