Popliteal Aneurysm
The Popliteal artery is a continuation of the femoral artery and is located in the leg behind the knee. It is the most common location for a Peripheral Aneurysm-an Aneurysm that occurs in arteries other than the aorta and those of the brain. An Aneurysm occurring on this artery is known as a Popliteal Aneurysm and some sources state that these constitute up to 85% of all Peripheral Aneurysms.
The majority of Popliteal Aneurysms appear to occur in older males with the average presenting age of 65. Most are fusiform and they are often bilateral-occurring in both legs. It is not uncommon for these to be associated with or occur in conjunction with Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.
The risk of rupture of a Popliteal Aneurysm is low, less than 10% has been reported, and even when rupture occurs mortality is uncommon. These lesions do present a real risk of thromboembolish, or clotting, which can lead to amputation of the afflicted limb. Blood clots will sometimes form along the inside walls of a Popliteal Aneurysm and there is a risk it can block blood flow to the lower part of the leg completely. The clot, or a part of it, can also break off and travel further down the leg blocking blood flow. When a Popliteal Aneurysm is suspected an ultrasound examination is frequently used to confirm the diagnosis. Your doctor will also attempt to determine the size, exact location on the artery, and the presence of blood clots.
As with any Aneurysm, there are a variety of factors in determining what treatment your doctor will recommend. These being the size of the Aneurysm, the presence of blood clots, and the condition of the arteries as well as the patient’s general overall health.
Open surgery is the preferred treatment for Popliteal Aneurysm. Through traditional surgery the Aneurysm is removed and the affected section of artery is replaced with a donor graft. This procedure is generally considered to be a permanent and low-risk and most often successful.
Another option is endovascular repair in which a catheter is used to place stents inside the Aneurysm to reinforce the artery and thus prevent rupture or further growth of the lesion. While this is a good option for those whose overall health rules out traditional surgery it is not considered to be as effective.
If the Aneurysm is small and there are no indications of clotting, or additional Aneurysm risk factors, your doctor may only recommend close monitoring. The best course of treatment for your particular case is something that only you and your physician can decide.