Abstract

The conventional treatment for a popliteal artery aneurysm is open surgery to exclude the aneurysm and revascularization of the affected limb. Over recent years, endovascular treatment has grown in popularity and has been attracting increased interest. Endovascular treatment is less invasive and associated with lower rates of morbidity, but it is expensive and patency is uncertain. The aim of this review is to compare these two treatments by analyzing the outcomes reported in primary and secondary studies. A narrative review is conducted of the literature published over the last 5 years. Six retrospective studies, two meta-analyses, one clinical trial and one Cochrane systematic review were selected. We were unable to draw firm conclusions because of small patient samples and short follow-up periods. There is no clear evidence to indicate that the outcomes of one or another elective treatment are superior. New randomized trials should be conducted to determine the role endovascular treatment has to play in management of this type of aneurysm.

Keywords:
aneurysm; popliteal artery; endovascular procedures