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.