The significance of anatomical features of popliteal artery in popliteal angioplasty

Abstract

Objective To define the significance of the anatomical division and features of popliteal artery in popliteal angioplasty.Methods This study involved 118 lower limbs in 113 cases of femoropoliteal occlusive disease undergoing angioplasty in our center between August 2011 and July 2013.A bent-knee angiogram was taken before recanalization of the lesion.The flexion pattern and the location of flexion points of popliteal artery were collected to study their relationship with the division of popliteal artery.A post-procedural bent-knee angiogram was taken in case of popliteal stenting to assess any change in flexion angulation and distal flow.Results There are diverse flexion patterns in popliteal artery,75.4％ of the flexion points locate in P2 segment,18.6％ in P1,and 6.0％ in P3.On post-procedural bent-knee angiogram in 73 cases of popliteal stenting,10 had a more acute distal flexion angulation,distal artery kinking was observed in another 6 cases of which 5 had compromised distal flow.Artery kinking only occurred in cross-flexion-point stenting.Conclusions A better understanding of the division and anatomical features of popliteal artery can be obtained via bent-knee angiogram.This is of value to angioplasty for lesions in different popliteal divisions. Key words: Popliteal artery ; Anatomy, regional ; Arteriosclerosis obliterans ; Angioplasty