Objective: To investigate feasibility and efficacy of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) by using a coude catheter in the treatment of short segment occlusion (≤10 cm) of the popliteal artery. Methods: The clinical data of 50 patients (55 limbs) with short-segment occlusion of the popliteal artery undergoing CDT from February 2012 to February 2016 was analyzed. Of the patients, 18 cases (21 popliteal arteries) underwent CDT by using a coude catheter (coude catheter group) and 32 cases (34 popliteal arteries) received conventional CDT (conventional catheter group). The thrombolysis efficiency and incidence of complications of the two groups were compared. Results: Thrombolysis failed in 2 limbs in each group, and the symptoms in the remaining 51 affected limbs were significantly improved. The average length of lesion removed by thrombolysis in coude catheter group was significantly greater than that in conventional catheter group (38.3 mm vs. 25.8 mm, P<0.05); the average ΔABI in coude catheter group was significantly higher than that in conventional catheter group (0.47 vs. 0.32, P<0.05). The incidence of hemorrhagic complications was 10.5% (2/19) and 15.6% (5/32) in coude catheter group and conventional catheter group respectively, which showed no significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: CDT with a coude catheter for no more than 10 cm short-segment occlusion of the popliteal artery is technically feasible and operationally simple with relatively high thrombolysis efficiency. It has certain application value in clinical practice.