Totally Endovascular Management of Popliteal Artery Occlusion and Pseudoaneurysm Formation after Total Knee Replacement

Abstract

Injuries to the popliteal artery during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are rare. We present a case of a 72-year-old man with popliteal artery thrombosis and a pseudoaneurysm presenting immediately after TKA. First-line management of acute limb ischemia is currently transitioning from open surgery to endovascular strategies such as catheter-directed thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. Due to the rarity of acute limb ischemia and pseudoaneurysms after TKA, endovascular management is only reported in a few case studies. This case is distinctive by having both popliteal artery thrombosis and a pseudoaneurysm which were successfully managed entirely endovascular using AngioJet thrombolysis and a flexible covered stent. This case contributes to the evidence supporting endovascular management of this rare complication of TKA.