Endovascular Popliteal Aneurysm Repair: Are the Results Comparable to Open Surgery?

Introduction The aim of this study was to review our experience of popliteal aneurysms using endovascular techniques. Methods Thirty popliteal aneurysms in 25 patients were treated over an 11-year period. Median aneurysm diameter was 26 (16–48) mm. Five were symptomatic and 25 asymptomatic. Patients were treated with the Haemobahn/Viabahn stent-graft (26), Passager (two), Aneurx (one), and PTFE homemade device (one). Data were assessed using life table analysis, and expressed as cumulative patency rates and standard error (SE). Results Median follow-up was 24 (range 1–95) months. Primary patency was 92.9% (SE 4.5%), 84.7% (SE 6.8%), 80% (SE 8.2%), 74.5% (SE 9.4%) and 74.5% (11.3%) at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Cumulative secondary patency was 96.5% (SE 3.3%), 88.7% (SE 6.0%), 88.7% (SE 8.6%), 83.2% (SE 8.0%) and 83.2% (SE 9.8%) at 1, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, respectively. Conclusion Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms in this series achieved patency rates similar to open surgery. Aneurysm repair was performed without peroperative deaths and the risks associated with open surgery.