Popliteal artery aneurysms

World J Surg. 1998 Aug;22(8):812-7. doi: 10.1007/s002689900475.

Abstract

Altogether 59 patients with 76 popliteal artery aneurysms were treated during the last 36 years. There were 50 (85%) male and 9 (15%) female patients with an average age of 61 years. Nineteen (32%) patients had bilateral aneurysms. The clinical manifestations of the aneurysms included ruptures 4 (5.3%); deep venous thrombosis 4 (5.3%); sciatic nerve compression 1 (1.3%); leg ischemia 52 (68.4%), and asymptomatic pulsatile masses 15 (19.7%). Seventy (92%) aneurysms were atherosclerotic, one (1.3%) mycotic, and four (5.3%) traumatic; one (1.3%) developed owing to fibromuscular displasia. Seven (9.2%) small, asymptomatic aneurysms were not operated on. Reconstructive procedures end-to-end anastomosis, graft interposition, bypass) after aneurysmal resection or exclusion using a medial or posterior approach were done in 59 cases. An autologous saphenous vein graft was used in 49 cases, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in 5, and heterograft in 2 cases. The in-hospital mortality rate was 2.9%, the early patency rate 93.3%, and limb salvage 95%. The long-term patency rate after a mean follow-up of 4 years was 78% and long-term limb salvage 89%. The total limb salvage was 73%, and the total amputation rate was 27%. The dangerous complications associated with popliteal artery aneurysms and the good results after elective procedures suggest that operative treatment is appropriate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Amputation, Surgical
  • Aneurysm / complications
  • Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Aneurysm / surgery*
  • Angiography
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Foot / blood supply
  • Foot / surgery
  • Humans
  • Ischemia / diagnostic imaging
  • Ischemia / etiology
  • Ischemia / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Popliteal Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Popliteal Artery / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures*