Long-term results of surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of the surgical repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs), and to analyze the factors associated with graft patency. Methods: Between January 1980 and December 2013, forty-five limbs were subjected to open surgical repair at Tokyo Medical and Dental Hospital. We retrospectively examined the patients' clinical characteristics, clinical symptoms, and aneurysm-related anatomy. Surgical procedures were performed through a posterior or medial approach with using autologous vein or prosthetic graft. Surgical outcomes were evaluated by postoperative-mortality, postoperative-morbidity, graft patency, and limb salvage. Results: During the study period, forty-five limbs [35 patients, mean age: 60 years] were subjected to open surgical repair. 25 limbs were treated through a posterior approach with using 23 autologous vein grafts (AVGs), and 2 expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. The other 20 limbs were treated through a med...