Repair Of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms Research Articles

Bypass Patency and Amputation-Free Survival after Popliteal Aneurysm Exclusion Significantly Depends on Patient Age and Medical Complications: A Detailed Dual-Center Analysis of 395 Consecutive Elective and Emergency Procedures.

Background/Objectives: A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is traditionally treated by an open PAA repair (OPAR) with a popliteo-popliteal venous graft interposition. Although excellent outcomes have been reported in elective cases, the results are much worse in cases of emergency presentation or with the necessity of adjunct procedures. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that might decrease amputation-free survival (efficacy endpoint) and lower graft patency (technical endpoint). Patients and Methods: A dual-center retrospective analysis was performed from 2000 to 2021 covering all consecutive PAA repairs stratified for elective vs. emergency repair, considering the patient (i.e., age and comorbidities), PAA (i.e., diameter and tibial runoff vessels), and procedural characteristics (i.e., procedure time, material, and bypass configuration). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics were used. Results: In 316 patients (69.8 ± 10.5 years), 395 PAAs (mean diameter 31.9 ± 12.9 mm) were operated, 67 as an emergency procedure (6× rupture; 93.8% severe acute limb ischemia). The majority had OPAR (366 procedures). Emergency patients had worse pre- and postoperative tibial runoff, longer procedure times, and more complex reconstructions harboring a variety of adjunct procedures as well as more medical and surgical complications (all p < 0.001). Overall, the in-hospital major amputation rate and mortality rate were 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The median follow-up was 49 months. Five-year primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 94.7%. Patency for venous grafts outperformed alloplastic and composite reconstructions (p < 0.001), but prolonged the average procedure time by 51.4 (24.3-78.6) min (p < 0.001). Amputation-free survival was significantly better after elective procedures (p < 0.001), but only during the early (in-hospital) phase. An increase in patient age and any medical complications were significant negative predictors, regardless of the aneurysm size. Conclusions: A popliteo-popliteal vein interposition remains the gold standard for treatment despite a probably longer procedure time for both elective and emergency PAA repairs. To determine the most effective treatment strategies for older and probably frailer patients, factors such as the aneurysm size and the patient's overall condition should be considered.

Popliteal artery aneurysm repair-A single center experience.

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are relatively rare but are one of the most common peripheral arterial aneurysms. Open popliteal artery aneurysm repair (OPAR) has been the standard, but technological advancements have made endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair (EPAR) a promising alternative. The aim of this study is to compare EPAR and OPAR efficacy and outcomes over a 10-year period. This study retrospectively reviewed 72 patient charts who were diagnosed with PAA or popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm and underwent EPAR or OPAR from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019. Endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair was used in 37 cases and OPAR in 35 cases. Graft patency <30 days postoperative was 100% in both EPAR and OPAR groups. Graft patency >90 days postoperative was 72.73% in the EPAR group and 82.35% in the OPAR group (p = 0.477). Graft patency >2 years postoperative was 81.25% in the EPAR group and 86.67% in the OPAR group (p = 0.682). Freedom from reoperation 30-day postoperative was 78.38% in the EPAR group and 80% in the OPAR group (p = 0.865). Freedom from amputation 30-day postoperative was 91.43% in the EPAR group and 94.29% in the OPAR group (p = 0.263). The 30-day survival rate was 94.59% in the EPAR group and 100% in the OPAR group. Endovascular repair represents a promising alternative for PAA repair. Our results demonstrate that EPAR has similar outcomes for asymptomatic, acutely symptomatic, and chronic symptomatic patients. Technological advancements of stent properties and refinement of surgical techniques may further improve endovascular techniques.

Same-day discharge after elective open arterial surgery

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of same-day discharge (SDD) after open peripheral arterial surgery (OAS) in a veteran population. MethodsThis is a single-center, retrospective study. Starting September 2021, veterans who underwent elective OAS were selectively chosen for planned SDD. Eligible procedures included popliteal artery aneurysm repair, common femoral/superficial femoral/popliteal artery endarterectomy ± concurrent endovascular intervention, bypass graft revision, femoral-femoral bypass, and axillofemoral bypass. All patients who underwent eligible procedures were compared across three eras based on the primary location of postoperative admission: intensive care unit era (ICUE, September 2016-December 2018), inpatient ward era (WARDE, January 2019-August 2021), and SDD era (SDDE, September 2021-December 2022). Demographics, comorbidities, indication for procedures, operative times, complications, readmissions, and length of stay (LOS) were analyzed. ResultsNinety-nine male patients underwent eligible procedures during the 6-year study period (ICUE: 32, WARDE; 41, and SDDE: 26). ICUE had higher rates of tobacco use (P = .04) with no differences in age or other comorbidities between the eras. Indications were claudication, bypass graft stenosis, popliteal aneurysm, ischemic rest pain, and tissue loss. Twenty patients were selected for SDD, and 18 were successfully discharged same day. Operative times were not significantly different between the eras. SDDE patients were more likely to undergo monitored anesthesia care (P = .04). The mean LOS was significantly lower in SDDE (0.54 days, P < .001) compared with WARDE (2.9 days) and ICUE (2.8 days). The mean ICU LOS was lower in SDDE (0.2 days, P <.001) compared with ICUE (1.1 days). There was no difference in postoperative complications (P = .30), reoperation (P = .51), or readmission rates (P = .35). ConclusionsSDD is safe and feasible after elective OAS in a veteran population with a low unplanned admission rate.

Sex disparities in popliteal artery aneurysms

ObjectiveOnly 5% of patients with popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are female. Evidence on PAA treatment and outcomes in women is therefore scarce. The POPART Registry provides one of Europe’s largest data collections regarding PAA treatment. Data on clinical presentation, aneurysm morphology, and perioperative outcomes after open surgical PAA repair in women will be presented. MethodsPOPART is a multicenter, noninterventional registry for open and endovascular PAA repair, with 42 participating centers in Germany and Luxembourg. All patients aged >18 years who have been treated for PAA since 2010 are eligible for study inclusion. Data collection is based on an online electronic case report form. ResultsOf the 1236 PAAs, 58 (4.8%) were in women. There were no significant differences in age or cardiopulmonary comorbidities. However, female patients had a lower prevalence of contralateral PAAs and abdominal aortic aneurysms (P < .05). PAAs in women were more likely to be symptomatic before surgery (65.5% vs 49.4%; P = .017), with 19% of women presenting with acute limb ischemia (vs 11%; P = .067). Women had smaller aneurysm diameters than men (22.5 mm vs 27 mm; P = .004) and became symptomatic at smaller diameters (20 mm vs 26 mm; P = .002). Only 8.6% of women and 11.6% of men underwent endovascular aneurysm repair (P > .05); therefore, the perioperative outcome analysis focused on open surgical repair. In total, 23.5% of women and 16.9% of men developed perioperative complications (P > .05). There were no differences in major cardiovascular events (P > .05), but women showed a higher incidence of impaired wound healing (15.7% vs 7.2%; P = .05) and major amputation (5.9% vs 1.1%; P = .027). Female sex was significantly associated with the need for nonvascular reinterventions within 30 days after surgery (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-4.88), whereas no significant differences in the odds for vascular reinterventions were observed (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% confidence interval: 0.68-5.77). In the multiple logistic regression model, female sex, symptomatic PAAs, poor quality of outflow vessels, and graft material other than vein graft were independently associated with perioperative reinterventions. ConclusionsWomen have smaller PAAs, are more likely to be symptomatic before treatment, and are more often affected by nonvascular reinterventions in the perioperative course. As our understanding of aneurysmatic diseases in women continues to expand, sex-specific treatment strategies and screening options for women in well-selected cohorts with modified screening protocols should be continuously re-evaluated.

MT12 Comparison of Hospital Case Characteristics of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair with ePTFE Covered Stent Grafts with a Heparin Bioactive Surface and Open Surgical Bypass: Highlights from the 2021 Hospital Dataset in Germany

MT12 Comparison of Hospital Case Characteristics of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair with ePTFE Covered Stent Grafts with a Heparin Bioactive Surface and Open Surgical Bypass: Highlights from the 2021 Hospital Dataset in Germany

Prosthetic Conduit Use Does Not Adversely Impact Outcomes after Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Single segment, greater saphenous vein (GSV) conduit is considered the optimal bypass conduit among patients undergoing bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease (PAD). While this data has been extrapolated to patients undergoing bypass for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA), the pathophysiology of PAA is inherently different when compared to PAD, and the impact of conduit type on long-term outcomes after open repair of PAA remains unclear. A multicenter database of five regional hospitals was retrospectively reviewed for all patients with PAA undergoing open surgical repair. Data were collected on demographic information, operative details, medications, and postoperative outcomes. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare freedom from major adverse limb events (MALE) following GSV versus prosthetic bypass. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify patient-level characteristics associated with MALE, which was defined as major ipsilateral limb amputation or reintervention for graft patency. From 1999-2020, a total of 101 patients with PAA underwent open exclusion and bypass surgery. Median follow-up period was 4.2 years (interquartile range, 1.3-7.4 years), and complete data were available for 99 (98.0%) patients. The majority of patients were male (99.0%) and Caucasian (93.9%). Only 11.1% of procedures were emergent, with the remainder (88.9%) being elective. All patients underwent medial exposure with a below-knee popliteal bypass target (100%). Bypass conduits included GSV (69.7%), prosthetic conduit (28.3%), and two (2.0%) alternative conduits (one spliced arm vein, one cryopreserved vein). Patients undergoing prosthetic bypass were older (72 vs 66 years, p=0.001) and had similar rates of medical comorbidities. Compared with the GSV group, patients with prosthetic conduits were more frequently placed on postoperative anticoagulation (60.7% vs 23.2%, p<0.001). Conduit type did not impact postoperative complication rates (p=NS each). MALE rates were low overall (19.2% at two years), and similar when stratified by conduit type (log rank p=0.47). On multivariable analysis, emergent bypass was associated with MALE (hazard ratio [HR] 5.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07-15.85, p<0.001). Prosthetic conduit usage (HR 1.00, 95% CI, 0.40-2.51, p=0.99) and postoperative anticoagulation (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.42-2.50, p=0.97) were not associated with MALE. Open repair of PAA is associated with excellent long-term outcomes. Prosthetic bypass is a comparable alternative to autogenous conduit for below-knee popliteal bypass targets, and lack of suitable GSV should not prohibit open surgical repair when indicated.

Early and long-term results of surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms using a heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluorethilene graft.

The aim of the present study was to assess early and long-term results of open surgical interventions for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) with the use of heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluorethylene (HePTFE) in a single center, retrospective, non-comparative cohort study. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained dataset, including 207 open interventions for PAAs between 2002 and 2022, was performed and 170 procedures carried on with the use of a HePTFE graft were found. Perioperative results were analyzed in terms of mortality, graft thrombosis and amputation rates. Follow-up results were analyzed in terms of survival, primary and secondary patency, freedom from amputation, freedom from reintervention with life-table analysis and Kaplan Meier curves. Follow-up results were considered as primary outcomes, whereas perioperative results were considered as secondary outcomes. In 82 interventions (48%) the PAA was asymptomatic. In 140 cases a medial approach was used, while in 30 cases a posterior approach was preferred. The level of the distal anastomosis was the p3 tract of the popliteal artery in 89% of the cases. One perioperative death occurred; early thromboses occurred in eight cases and the overall perioperative amputation rate was 2.8%. The median duration of follow-up was 48 months (range 1-251). Estimated survival rate at 10 years was 55% (standard error, SE, 0.065). The 10-year rates of primary and secondary patency and freedom from amputation were 40.8% (SE 0.06), 47.6% (SE 0.065) and 93.4% (SE 0.04), respectively. The estimated freedom from reintervention rate at 10 years was 57% (SE 0.05). The results of this large monocentric experience showed that open surgical repair of PAAs with HePTFE is a safe procedure, with low rates of perioperative complications, and excellent results in the long-term setting.

Endovascular Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair Using an "Off-Label" Abdominal Endograft Limb-Module with Nitinol-Ring Structure: A Single Centre Experience.

To evaluate endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair using a an "off-label" abdominal endograft limb-module with nitinol-ring structure. Retrospective observational study of 14 popliteal artery aneurysms in 12 male patients (mean age 76years and median ASA grade 3) treated electively using the Anaconda™ endograft limb (Terumo Aortic) at a single teaching hospital. Eight limbs were treated percutaneously and 6 limbs required surgical arterial exposure. The mean popliteal artery aneurysm diameter treated was 3.6cm (range 2.1-5.3cm). Stent-graft diameters and lengths used were 10-15 and 60-140mm, respectively. The median covered stented length was 218mm (range 160-270mm) and median duration of follow-up was 3.7years. Outcomes assessed included technically successful aneurysm exclusion, primary patency, re-intervention and survival. All patients had successful stent-graft deployment and aneurysm exclusion, with no early complications or mortality at 30days. Primary stent-graft patency at 1, 3 and 4years was 93%, 75%, and 64%. By 8years, patency had declined with 29% (2/14) stent-grafts patent. 7/14 limbs occluded; 3 underwent re-intervention (2 surgical, 1 endovascular). There were no deaths related to the procedure. Freedom from re-intervention and survival at 1/5years was 93%/84% and 93%/67%, respectively. The Anaconda™ endograft limb for endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair offers good mid-term patency and acceptable long-term patency up to 4years when compared with other grafts and open surgery. It may be considered in older comorbid patients unfit for surgery and can be performed percutaneously under local anaesthesia when anatomically feasible.

Prosthetic Conduit Does Not Adversely Impact Outcomes of Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Prosthetic Conduit Does Not Adversely Impact Outcomes of Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Association Between Conduit Type and Outcomes After Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

IntroductionPrior studies have demonstrated acceptable midterm outcomes with prosthetic conduits for above-knee bypass for occlusive disease in patients with inadequate segment great saphenous vein (GSV). In this study we aimed to investigate whether this holds true for open repair of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA). MethodsWe queried the Vascular Quality Initiative data for patients who underwent open PAA repair (OPAR). We divided the cohort into three groups based on the conduit used: GSV, other autologous veins, or prosthetic graft. Study outcomes included primary patency, freedom from major amputation, amputation-free survival, and overall survival at 1 y. Kaplan–Meier survival estimates, log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression were used to compare outcomes between study groups. ResultsA total of 4016 patients underwent bypass for PAA from January 2010 to October 2021. The three cohorts were significantly different in many demographic and clinical characteristics. The adjusted odds of postoperative amputation among symptomatic patients were 3-fold higher for prosthetic conduits compared to the GSV (odds ratio, 3.20; 95% CI, 1.72-5.92; P < 0.001). For the 1-y outcomes, the adjusted risk of major amputation was almost 3-fold higher for patients with symptomatic disease undergoing bypass with prosthetic conduits (hazard ratio [HR], 2.97; 95% CI, 1.35-6.52; P = 0.007). When compared with GSV, prosthetic conduits were associated with 96% increased risk of death when used for repair in symptomatic patients (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR), 1.96; 95% CI, 1.29-2.97; P = 0.002) but no significant association with mortality in asymptomatic patients (aHR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.37-1.87; P = 0.652). When compared with GSV, prosthetic conduits were associated with a 2-fold increased risk of 1-y major amputation or death when used for repair in symptomatic patients (aHR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.40-2.94; P < 0.001) but no significant association with mortality in asymptomatic patients (aHR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.42-1.98; P = 0.816). Comparing bypass with other veins to the GSV among patients with symptomatic disease, there was no statistically significant difference in major amputation risk (HR; 2.44; 95% CI, 0.55-10.82; P = 0.242) and no difference in the adjusted risk of all-cause mortality (aHR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.26-2.44; P = 0.653). There were no differences in the adjusted risk of loss of primary patency comparing other veins to GSV (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.85-2.76; P = 0.154) and prosthetic conduits to GSV (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.57-1.26; P = 0.422). ConclusionsThis large study shows that among patients undergoing OPAR, 1-y primary patency does not differ between conduit types. However, prosthetic conduits are associated with significantly higher risk of amputation and death compared to GSV among symptomatic patients. Though non-GSV autologous veins are less often used for OPAR, they have comparably acceptable outcomes as GSV.

The management of patients with popliteal artery aneurysms presenting with acute limb ischemia

ObjectiveEndovascular popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) repair has acceptable outcomes compared with open repair for elective therapy. Endovascular repair for urgent PAA causing acute limb ischemia (ALI) has not been well-studied. This project compares outcomes of urgent endovascular and open repair of PAA with ALI. MethodsThe Vascular Quality Initiative database for peripheral vascular interventions (PVIs) and infrainguinal bypass were reviewed for PAAs with ALI from 2010 to 2021. Only patients entered as having symptoms of ALI in the PVI module and ALI as indication in the infrainguinal bypass module were included. In addition, patients undergoing elective treatment were excluded and the sample analyzed was restricted to patients undergoing urgent and emergent open and endovascular repair. Patient demographics and comorbidities as well as procedural details were compared between the two groups. Perioperative complications up to 30 days were compared as well as long-term outcomes including major amputation and mortality at 1 year. ResultsUrgent PAA repair for ALI constituted 10.5% (n = 571) of all PAAs. Most urgent repairs were open (80.6%; n = 460) with 19.4% (n = 111) endovascular. The proportion of endovascular repair significantly increased from 16.7% in 2010 to 85.7% in 2021. Patients undergoing endovascular repair were older (71.2 ± 12.5 vs 68.0 ± 11.8; P = .011) than patients undergoing open repair. They were also more likely to have coronary artery disease (32.4% vs 21.7%; P = .006). Open PAA repair was associated with more bleeding complications (20.8% vs 2.7%; P < .001), longer postoperative length of stay (8.1 ± 9.3 days vs 4.9 ± 5.6 days; P < .001), and less likelihood of discharge to home (64.9% vs 70.3%; P = .051). Perioperative major amputation rate was 7.5% with no difference between the two treatment strategies up to 1 year. However, patients receiving endovascular repair had higher inpatient (1.1% vs 0%; P < .001), 30-day (6.3% vs 0.4%; P < .001), and 1-year (16.5% vs 8.4%; P = .02) mortality. Multivariable regression analysis suggested that endovascular repair was possibly associated with increased 30-day mortality, but not 1-year mortality. ConclusionsEndovascular PAA has exponentially increased from 2010 to 2021. Endovascular repair is associated with decreased complications and hospital length of stay. The increased perioperative mortality seen in this group is likely due to selection bias.

Use of Endoscopic Vein Harvest Yields Improved Outcomes in Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair

There is growing literature showing that endoscopic vein harvest (EVH) is safe, with excellent patency rates and decreased wound complications when treating infrainguinal occlusive disease. Our institution has performed EVH since 2003 with a dedicated team of providers specializing in endoscopic vein harvest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate major outcomes of EVH as an adjunct to standard, open operative repair of popliteal artery aneurysms. We performed a 12-year retrospective single-institution chart review from January 2005 to December 2017, identifying all patients undergoing popliteal artery aneurysm repair with EVH. Primary outcomes were procedural technical success, operative time, wound complication, major morbidity, and freedom from amputation. A total 37 limbs (in 31 patients) received EVH popliteal artery aneurysm repair at an average age of 65.2±10years; 65% of the patients presented without symptoms or with claudication and 35% with rest pain or tissue loss. Coexisting aneurysm was present in 68% of patients: 49% had contralateral popliteal artery aneurysms and 19% had concurrent aortic aneurysms. Of 37 limbs, 33 (89%) were treated through a medial approach with aneurysm ligation, and 4 patients (11%) were treated through a posterior approach. The average vein size was 4.4±1.1mm, with 86% harvested by the ipsilateral great saphenous vein. Average operative time was 3.89±0.82hr, with a median hospitalization of 2days and a median of 1day of intravenous narcotics use. Only 2 patients (5.4%) had Szilagyi class-2 surgical site infections remedied with debridement and antibiotics. Kaplan-Meier data showed a 5-year primary patency of 82.3% and primary-assisted patency of 88.2%. Additionally, 30-day primary patency was 89.2% and primary-assisted patency of 97.3%. EVH for popliteal aneurysmal disease provides a safe and efficacious means of popliteal artery aneurysm repair with shorter hospitalization, lower wound complication rates, and excellent long-term patency compared to standard open technique.

Endoleak following endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysm: clinical outcome and contrast-enhanced ultrasound detection.

Continued blood flow in the aneurysm sac after repair, also known as endoleak, can occur after both open and endovascular popliteal aneurysm repair (EPAR) with risk for aneurysm sac enlargement. Primary aims were to investigate aneurysm sac growth and the presence and classification of endoleak after EPAR using contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Cross-sectional study of patients receiving EPAR with expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE) covered stent-grafts between 1st of January 2009 and 1st of February 2019 at a tertiary referral endovascular center. Patients were re-invited in 2021 and 31 legs were examined for endoleak using CEUS. Endoleaks were classified by a core-lab consisting of three CEUS-experienced physicians. Median follow-up was 57 months (range 33-143 months). Endoleak was detected in 16 PAA, and categorized as type I (N.=3), type II (N.=10), type III (N.=1) or indeterminate (N.=2). Median maximal PAA diameter was 24 mm (range 15-55 mm) at the time of EPAR compared to 17 mm (range 6-43 mm) at follow-up (P<.001). Maximal aneurysm sac diameter was smaller at follow-up than at the index procedure in both PAAs with and without endoleak on CEUS (P = 0.005 vs. P<0.001, respectively). There was no difference in PAA sac shrinkage at follow-up between patients with or without endoleak (P = 0.28). Freedom from aneurysm sac growth was 97%. CEUS was sensitive in endoleak detection after EPAR. Shrinkage of the PAA sac was found in both patients with and without endoleaks. CEUS appears useful for targeted examinations rather than routine surveillance after EPAR.

Open Repair Versus Endovascular Repair in the Treatment of Symptomatic Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Endovascular and open surgical modalities are currently used to treat popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA). However, there is limited data on the comparative durability of both repairs to guide physicians especially in the treatment of patients presenting symptomatic. We aimed to study the comparative effectiveness of endovascular PAA repair (EPAR) versus open PAA repair (OPAR). The vascular quality initiative (VQI)-Medicare linked database was queried for patients with symptomatic PAA who underwent OPAR or EPAR from January 2010 to December 2018. Kaplan-Meier estimates, log-rank tests and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression were employed to study the outcomes of amputation free survival (AFS), freedom from first reintervention, freedom from major amputation, and overall survival in 2years following the index procedure. A total of 1,375 patients were studied, of which 23.7% (n=326) were treated with EPAR. Patients treated with OPAR were younger, less likely to have coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), but more likely to be smokers and to present with acute lower extremity ischemia. OPAR treated patients had better 2-year AFS (84.5% vs. 72.5%, P<0.001) and overall survival (86.2% vs. 74.7%, P<0.001). Freedom from major amputation at 2years were comparable between EPAR and OPAR (95.5% vs. 97.7%, P=0.164) in the overall cohort. Within the sub cohort of patients with acute limb ischemia, freedom from major amputation was significantly higher for OPAR compared to EPAR (97.4% vs. 90.6%, P=0.021). After adjustment for confounders, OPAR was associated with decreased risk of amputation or death (aHR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.48-0.80; P<0.001) and mortality (aHR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.48-0.81; P<0.001) at 2years. OPAR and EPAR had comparable adjusted risk of 2-year major amputation in the overall cohort. However, for patients presenting with acute limb ischemia OPAR was associated with 72% lower risk of 2-year major amputation compared to EPAR (aHR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.10-0.83; P=0.021). In this multi-institutional observational study of symptomatic popliteal aneurysms, OPAR was associated with significantly better amputation free and overall survival compared to EPAR. For patients with acute limb ischemia, OPAR was associated with reduced risk of amputation. These findings suggest that OPAR may be superior to EPAR in the treatment of symptomatic PAA. A consideration of OPAR as first line definitive treatment for symptomatic PAA patients who are good surgical candidates is suggested.

Female sex portends increased risk of major amputation following surgical repair of symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms

ObjectivePopliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are rare in women, with only ∼5% of all PAAs occurring in women. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether sex disparities exist for patients treated with open PAA repair. MethodsWe reviewed all patients with PAAs who had undergone open PAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative from January 2010 to July 2021. Univariate analyses and multivariable logistic or Cox regression analyses controlling for potential confounders were performed. The study outcomes included primary patency, major amputation, overall survival, and amputation-free survival at 1 year. ResultsThe study included 3807 adult patients, of whom 160 were women (4.2%). The female patients were younger (age, 66.1 years vs 68.3 years; P = .012) and less likely to have coronary artery disease (14.5% vs 23.4%; P = .009). However, the women were more likely to be taking aspirin (69.2% vs 60.4%; P = .019) and statins (67.8% vs 60.4%; P < .001) and to undergo repair for symptomatic disease (77.5% vs 64.1%; P = .001). No difference was found between the women and men in primary patency (95.2% vs 90.8%; P = .230) and overall survival (94.3% vs 96.1%; P = .270). Amputation-free survival was lower for women than for men (91.4% vs 95.3%; P = .033). This finding resulted from by lower freedom from major amputation for women (96.1% vs 98.9%; P = .010). After adjustment for confounders, no differences were found between the women and men regarding the loss of primary patency and all-cause mortality. For symptomatic PAAs, the risk of major amputation was threefold greater for women (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-9.06; P = .040), and the risk of the composite end point of major amputation or death was twofold higher for women than for men (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.79; P = .043). ConclusionsIn our large national study of patients with PAAs, women were more likely to be treated for symptomatic PAAs. The risk of 1-year major amputation was threefold greater for women with symptomatic PAAs than for men with a similar presentation. Early recognition and treatment of PAAs in women before the PAAs have become symptomatic could optimize limb salvage outcomes in women.

The Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms With Acute Limb Ischemia in the Vascular Quality Initiative

Endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm (PPA) repair has acceptable outcomes compared with open repair for elective therapy. However, endovascular repair for urgent PAA causing acute limb ischemia (ALI) has not been well studied. This project compares the outcomes of urgent endovascular and open repair of PAA presenting with ALI.

Surgery appears to outperform endovascular therapy for popliteal artery aneurysms; however, the real answer as to which treatment strategy works best and for whom remains elusive

Surgery appears to outperform endovascular therapy for popliteal artery aneurysms; however, the real answer as to which treatment strategy works best and for whom remains elusive

A Case of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair with Superficial Femoral Vein Graft

A Case of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair with Superficial Femoral Vein Graft

External Stenting and Disease Progression in Vein Grafts After Open Surgical Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Open surgical repair has remained the reference standard treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of external stenting and its potential preventive effect on vein graft disease after open PAA repair.

Common surgical practice in treatment of patients with popliteal artery aneurysm among Serbian vascular centers

Background/Aim. Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the most common peripheral artery aneurysm and second most common aneurysm following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Still, its incidence is rare and treatment non-standardized. Collection of data in multicenter registry could improve diagnosis and treatment. SerbVasc is newly established data collection collaboration among Serbian Vascular centers. The aim of this study was to assess common surgical practice in diagnosis and treatment of patients with PAA in Serbian hospitals. Methods. Serbian vascular centers that accepted invitation collected retrospectively data about operated patients for PAA in the period 2012-2018. Data regarding symptoms, preoperative diagnostics, vascular and endovascular techniques and postoperative results were collected. This data set was submitted to the VASCUNET international project of PAA for data analysis between the countries. The same data set was used for detailed analysis of contemporary treatment of PAA in six Serbian hospitals: Serbian Clinical Centre (SCC), Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute (CVID), Military Medical Academy (MMA), Clinical Center Novi Sad (CCNS), Clinical Centre Nis (CCN) and County Hospital Uzice (CHU). Results. In the period 2012-2018 in six Serbian hospitals data for 342 procedures due to PAA were collected in 329 (96.2%) men and only 13 (3.8%) women. Incidence of PAA repair was 6.8 operations/million inhabitants /year. Mean age of patients was 64.34 years (ranging from 29 to 87). Total of 223 (65.8%) elective procedures were performed. Amputation and hospital survival were considered as the main outcomes. Thrombosis was recorded in 110 (32.4%) of patients, as a cause for surgery and rupture in 5 patients. Mean diameter of aneurysm was 35.28 mm being larger for ruptured aneurysms (43.8 mm) in average. Both synthetic and vein grafts were used in elective and urgent procedures equally. Endovascular procedures were performed in 6 (1.8 %) cases. Conclusion. This study confirms importance of registry-based collection of data and their analysis. It showed that national incidence of PAA in Serbia is low and that well organized, even per institution based, screening algorithm should improve recognition of such patients and increase number of electively treated PAA. Education of vascular surgeons to use posterior approach could improve vascular healthcare.