Abstract
The authors report a prospective study that determines the results of the use of a self-expanding stent-graft to treat 23 popliteal aneurysms in 21 patients over a 3-year period. Occlusion of the stent-graft and limb loss were outcome measures. Duplex scanning, ankle-brachial index measurements, and radiographic examination of the knee were used during follow-up evaluation. The procedure to place the stent-graft and exclude the aneurysm was technically successful in all patients. The cumulative patency over 15 months of follow-up was 74% as 5 of the 23 stent-grafts occluded within six months after the intervention. Of these, two were successfully recanalized and none of the five patients required amputation. The authors conclude that endovascular stent-graft repair of popliteal artery aneurysms is feasible; however, traditional surgical repair has a better midterm patency rate.
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