Abstract: A method and the apparatus for retrograde catheterization of the venous tree of the lower extremity by introducing the catheter percutaneously through one of superficial veins of the upper extremity (forearm) of the human body and advancing the catheter in a retrograde fashion between the valve cusps in a patient awake and kept in erect posture enabling to perform descending venography to evaluate all types of chronic venous insufficiency. An angiocatheter is introduced in a superficial vein in the forearm and a guidewire having a `J` tip with movable core is inserted into said angiocatheter and advanced within the superficial vein in forearm. While leaving the guidewire in place angiocatheter is removed and replaced with a vessel dilator and site of entry is dilated around the guidewire. Then the vessel dilator is removed and an elongated catheter having diameter sufficiently small enough to pass unobstructed through the superficial vein is introduced into the peripheral vein of the forearm.