A popliteal aneurysm is a widening or bulging of the popliteal artery behind your knee. If left untreated, a popliteal aneurysm may cause blood clots that clog your artery or travel into your lower leg or foot, which can lead to the need for amputation.
The physicians at UPMC perform open and minimally invasive endovascular repairs of popliteal aneurysms to reduce your risk of complications.
Popliteal aneurysm repair is a procedure to reduce the risk of complications related to a popliteal aneurysm, including rupture, blood clots, or blocked arteries in the lower leg or foot. Your doctor will use a stent or another type of graft to repair the aneurysm.
Although popliteal aneurysms do not usually cause symptoms, they are considered dangerous. They can cause blood clots that either clog your artery or travel down your artery and into your foot, which can lead to the need for amputation of the lower leg and/or foot.
The physicians at UPMC perform open surgery and endovascular procedures to repair popliteal aneurysms. Your doctor will look at the size and placement of your aneurysm, as well as your overall health and physical condition, to determine which treatment option is right for you. Treatments include:
Endovascular repair is less invasive than open surgery. It uses a small, thin tube called a catheter to treat your popliteal aneurysm.
Endovascular treatment may be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for open surgery due to other health problems, including cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
During open surgery, your surgeon will cut your skin and tissue to reach the aneurysm directly. Your surgeon may use a vein graft or a prosthetic graft to bypass the aneurysm.
You might need popliteal aneurysm repair if you are diagnosed with a popliteal aneurysm, especially if it contains a blood clot. Although popliteal aneurysms rarely rupture, they can cause blood clots that may block your artery or travel into your lower leg and foot.
You may be a candidate for popliteal aneurysm repair if your aneurysm is causing symptoms, is larger than 2 cm in diameter, or if you are at increased risk of related complications.
Endovascular treatment may be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for open surgery due to other health problems, including cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
Popliteal aneurysm repair is a safe and effective procedure. Complications are rare. However, like all medical procedures, it has some risks, including:
Your doctor will explain the popliteal aneurysm repair procedure to you and answer your questions. To prepare for the procedure, you should:
On the day of your procedure, be sure to bring your photo ID and health insurance card(s). Leave valuables such as cash and jewelry at home. If you have a CPAP machine, please bring it with you.
You may need to stay in the hospital for several days after your procedure. You should bring toiletries, a robe, slippers, a cell phone and charger, medications, and a change of clothes. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home from the hospital after you are discharged.
Your popliteal aneurysm repair procedure will take 1-2 hours or longer, depending on the size of your aneurysm and the type of procedure you are having.
Your doctor will look at the size and placement of your aneurysm, as well as your overall health and physical condition, to determine whether open surgery or an endovascular procedure is right for you.
During an endovascular repair, your doctor will:
During an open repair, your surgeon will:
When the procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and to address any issues you may have with pain. Endovascular procedures usually involve a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay than open surgery. Your doctor will provide more information on your hospital stay and recovery.
You should ask your doctor when you can return to work and resume normal activities. Most people make a full recovery within 4-6 weeks. It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended.
You should call your doctor if you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, including:
If any of these symptoms are severe, you should dial 911 immediately.
Popliteal aneurysm repair can reduce your risk of complications, including amputation. Most people live a normal, active life after popliteal aneurysm repair.
Popliteal aneurysm repair successfully prevents limb loss and reduces the risk of long-term complications in more than 90 percent of patients.
UPMC specialists are among the most experienced in the region at diagnosing and treating popliteal aneurysms using open surgery and minimally invasive techniques. We will carefully evaluate your health history and condition before recommending the best treatment approach for you.
Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-10-01.
