Sex disparities in popliteal artery aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: Only 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. METHODS: POPART 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. RESULTS: Of 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. CONCLUSIONS: Women 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.

Popliteal artery aneurysm ultrasound criteria for reporting characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is the modality of choice for surveillance of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs). However, noninvasive vascular laboratories have no standard guidelines for reporting results. This study assessed reports of PAA DUS for inclusion of information pertinent to operative decision-making and timing of surveillance. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of a multi-institutional repository that was queried for all patients with a PAA from 2008 to 2022 and confirmed via manual chart review. DUS reports were abstracted and images were individually annotated for features of interest including dimensions, flow abnormalities, and percent thrombus burden. RESULTS: A total of 166 PAAs in 130 patients had at least one DUS available for viewing. Postoperative surveillance of PAAs was performed at several intervals: the first at 30 months (IQR 3.7-113, n = 44), the second at 64 months (IQR 20-172, n = 31), and the third at 152 months (IQR 46-217, n = 16) after the operation. The largest diameter of operative PAAs (median 27.5 mm, IQR 21.8-38.0) was significantly greater than nonoperative PAAs (median 20.9 mm, IQR 16.7-27.3); p < 0.01. Fewer than 33 (21%) reports commented on patency of distal runoff. We calculated an average percent thrombus of 60% (IQR 19-81) in nonoperative PAAs, which is significantly smaller than 75% (IQR 58-89) in operative PAAs; p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: In this multi-institutional retrospective study, PAAs are often not followed at intervals recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines and do not include all measurements necessary for clinical decision-making in the multi-institutional repository studied. There should be standardization of PAA DUS protocols performed by all noninvasive vascular laboratories to ensure completeness of PAA DUS images and inclusion of characteristics pertinent to clinical decision-making in radiology reports.

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

BACKGROUND: 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 (PAAs), 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: From 1999 to 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 2 (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 2 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Emergency treatment of popliteal aneurysms: Single center experience and systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular versus open repair.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) were traditionally treated by open repair (OR). Endovascular repair (ER) has become a new treatment strategy. The aim of this systemic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the current outcomes of OR and ER in the emergency treatment of PAA. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the PubMed/Medline database was carried out. Outcomes were 30-day mortality, morbidity, major amputation rate (30 days), major amputation rate (1 year), 1-year primary patency rate, 1-year secondary patency rate and 1-year survival. Additionally, we included clinical data of patients with popliteal aneurysms treated between 2009 and 2021 at the Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. RESULTS: We identified two cohort studies from 2014 and 2015 with a total of 199 patients that underwent emergent surgery (39 ER and 160 OR). We also included 26 patients from our institution. For emergency treatment, 30-day major amputation rates (18% vs 3%, Odds Ratio 5.82, 95% CI [1.75; 19.30], p = .004), 30-day mortality rates (10% vs 1%, Odds Ratio 5.57, 95% CI [1.01; 30.58], p = .05), 1-year major amputation rates (15% vs 6% Odds Ratio 3.61, 95% CI [1.18; 11.09], p = .02), 1-year loss of primary patency (54% vs 23%, Odds Ratio 3.19, 95% CI [0.91; 11.20], p = .07), and 1-year loss of secondary patency (44% vs 12%, Odds Ratio 6.91, 95% CI [3.01; 15.83], p < .05) were higher in the ER group when compared to the OR group. CONCLUSION: Endovascular repair represents an alternative approach for the emergency treatment of PAA. Limited evidence from the available non-randomized studies shows unfavorable outcomes for patients undergoing ER. However, the results are prone to selection bias, and only randomized trials comparing ER to OR might reveal whether a subgroup of patients would benefit from ER as primary treatment of PAA in an emergency setting.

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

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular 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. METHODS: The 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. RESULTS: Urgent 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. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular 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.

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

INTRODUCTION: Prior 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). METHODS: We 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. RESULTS: A 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). CONCLUSIONS: This 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.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: A total 37 limbs (in 31 patients) received EVH popliteal artery aneurysm repair at an average age of 65.2 ± 10 years; 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 ± 1.1 mm, with 86% harvested by the ipsilateral great saphenous vein. Average operative time was 3.89 ± 0.82 hr, with a median hospitalization of 2 days and a median of 1 day 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%. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

The Combination of Vacuum-Assisted Thromboaspiration and Covered Stent Graft for Acute Limb Ischemia due to Thromboembolic Complications of Popliteal Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: We present a standardized protocol of endovascular revascularization for patients with acute limb ischemia due to popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thromboembolic complication, based on the combination of vacuum-assisted thromboaspiration to improve tibiopedal outflow and covered stent graft to exclude the PAA. METHODS: All patients with a diagnosis of PAA complicated by thromboembolic events undergoing total endovascular rescue were prospectively enrolled in a dedicated database from November 2018 to November 2021. To assess vessel patency, the TIPI (Thromboaspiration In Peripheral Ischemia) classification was used. The primary end point was the primary technical success (at least one tibial vessel with a TIPI flow of 2 or 3). The 30-day overall mortality and amputation rates were considered as secondary end points. Patients' overall survival, limb salvage, freedom from reocclusion and reinterventions were reported as secondary late outcomes using Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Seventeen male patients were enrolled with a mean age of 75.7 ± 9 years. Rutherford grading score was IIa in 52.9% (9/17) and IIb in 47.1% (8/17). PAA mean diameter was 37.4 ± 11.2 mm. All patients had tibial arteries involvement, and in 9 cases (52.9%) there was also the occlusion of the PAA. Mechanical thrombectomy with Indigo/Penumbra thromboaspiration system was used in all patients. PAAs were excluded using one or more VIABAHN covered endografts (range 1-3 pieces). Technical success was achieved in 94.1%. Fasciotomy was performed in 1 case (5.9%). Mortality and amputation rates at 30-day follow-up were respectively 0% and 5.9%. Survival rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were respectively 94.1%, 86.3%, and 67.9%. Secondary patency was achieved in all cases (100%). Freedom from reintervention was 80.4%, 65.8%, and 54.8% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Limb salvage was 88.2% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although preliminary, our experience of total endovascular rescue for complicated PAA with thromboembolic events highlighted promising rates of limb salvage at 30 days after intervention. The total endovascular approach seems able to maximize tibiopedal outflow offering an interesting strategy in limb salvage.

Cutaneous fistula after open repair of a popliteal artery aneurysm: case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: For many years, the reference treatment for popliteal artery aneurysms (PA) consists of surgical exclusion by proximal and distal ligation, combined with popliteopopliteal, femoropopliteal or femorotibial bypass. These aneurysms excluded, but left in situ, generally decrease in size by thrombosis. However, this is not always the case. We report on a patient with bilateral PAs. The right aneurysm was completely resected, with a normal follow-up. The left one was excluded by ligation and bypass, without resection, but continued to be perfused, and fistulised to the skin. The aneurysm continued to grow due to retrograde collateral circulation through the knee's articular arteries, corresponding to a "type 2 endoleak." We therefore performed resection of the aneurysm and its fistulous path. The evolution was favourable and the patient has a satisfactory arterial condition since then. This extremely rare case prompted us to review PAs' treatment options and explore the arterial aneurysms' fistulising potential. METHODS: A review of the literature was performed on the aneurysmal fistulas' clinical manifestation, their pathophysiology, and the PAs' surgical and endovascular treatment. RESULTS: Various studies demonstrated a superiority of resection treatments, with better results and fewer reinterventions than exclusion treatments alone. CONCLUSIONS: In view of this case, and as demonstrated by a literature search, we consider the surgical resection of PAs to be the optimal method for their management, rather than the surgical or endovascular exclusion treatment alone.

A Unique Case Of A Giant Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Presenting As Popliteal Mass.

INTRODUCTION: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) can be very challenging, especially in cases of very large PAAs, with a minimal number of case reports published in the literature. METHODS: This is a case report of a 68-year-old male patient with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and schizophrenia who was found to have a giant (10x8x6cm) partially thrombosed PAA, treated with interposition polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft via a posterior approach. RESULTS: Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in a prone position, and an extended lazy "S" incision was made on the popliteal fossa. After obtaining proximal and distal exposure, the aneurysm sac was skeletonized, preserving the popliteal vein and the tibial nerve. After proximal and distal control was obtained, the patient was systemically heparinized, and the aneurysm sac was opened. Some genicular branches were ligated inside the aneurysm, and part of the aneurysm sac was excised. A 7 mm PTFE graft was used for reconstruction in an end-to-end fashion. Suction drains were placed in the popliteal space, and the fascia and skin were approximated. The patient was discharged home on the 2nd postoperative day on aspirin and statin with ultrasound surveillance. The patient has remained asymptomatic during follow-up with a patent graft. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgical repair constitutes the gold standard of care for huge PAAs to prevent distal thromboembolic events and mass pressure effects from the aneurysm. Documentation of additional experience with open repair of huge PAAs would be beneficial and could help clinical decision-making.

Popliteal artery aneurysm repair-A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

Deciphering Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Patient Diversity: Insights From a Cluster Analysis of the POPART Registry.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most common peripheral aneurysm. However, due to its rarity, the cumulative body of evidence regarding patient patterns, treatment strategies, and perioperative outcomes is limited. This analysis aims to investigate distinct phenotypical patient profiles and associated treatment and outcomes in patients with a PAA by performing an unsupervised clustering analysis of the POPART (Practice of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair and Therapy) registry. METHODS AND RESULTS: A cluster analysis (using k-means clustering) was performed on data obtained from the multicenter POPART registry (42 centers from Germany and Luxembourg). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore validity and stability. Using 2 clusters, patients were primarily separated by the absence or presence of clinical symptoms. Within the cluster of symptomatic patients, the main difference between patients with acute limb ischemia presentation and nonemergency symptomatic patients was PAA diameter. When using 6 clusters, patients were primarily grouped by comorbidities, with patients with acute limb ischemia forming a separate cluster. Despite markedly different risk profiles, perioperative complication rates appeared to be positively associated with the proportion of emergency patients. However, clusters with a higher proportion of patients having any symptoms before treatment experienced a lower rate of perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The conducted analyses revealed both an insight to the public health reality of PAA care as well as patients with PAA at elevated risk for adverse outcomes. This analysis suggests that the preoperative clinic is a far more crucial adjunct to the patient's preoperative risk assessment than the patient's epidemiological profile by itself.

Disappointing results of popliteal aneurysm endovascular treatment with a new self-expandable covered stent.

PURPOSE: To describe our clinical experience of endovascular exclusion of popliteal artery aneurysms using the new self-expandable covered stent SOLARIS® (Scitech Medical, Brazil), and to report its results in the context of surgical and endovascular treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms. CASE REPORT: Among 20 popliteal artery aneurysms undergoing open or endovascular repair in 2022 and 2023, two patients were successfully treated with the Solaris stentgraft. Both patients had a patent popliteal artery and three run-off vessels. After stentgraft implantation, they received dual antiplatelet therapy for three months and they were followed-up with Duplex scan and clinical evaluation after three months, and every six months thereafter. After three months, one Solaris stentgraft had complete thrombosis and the other ruptured, requiring surgical removal. No complications were observed among the other aneurysms treated with open repair or with the Viabahn® stentgraft. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of popliteal aneurysms with the new covered self-expandable stent Solaris resulted in severe complications in the two cases reported, and in worse short-term outcomes than endovascular repair with Viabahn® and open repair. Its off-label use to treat popliteal artery aneurysms should be therefore discouraged.

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) Rescues the Contractile Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype in Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Disease.

Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is the most frequent peripheral aneurysm, primarily seen in male smokers with a prevalence below 1%. This exploratory study aims to shed light on cellular mechanisms involved in PAA progression. Sixteen human PAA and eight non-aneurysmatic popliteal artery samples, partially from the same patients, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, fluorescence imaging, Affymetrix mRNA expression profiling, qPCR and OLink proteomics, and compared to atherosclerotic (n = 6) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) tissue (n = 19). Additionally, primary cell culture of PAA-derived vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) was established for modulation and growth analysis. Compared to non-aneurysmatic popliteal arteries, VSMCs lose the contractile phenotype and the cell proliferation rate increases significantly in PAA. Array analysis identified APOE higher expressed in PAA samples, co-localizing with VSMCs. APOE stimulation of primary human PAA VSMCs significantly reduced cell proliferation. Accordingly, contractile VSMC markers were significantly upregulated. A single case of osseous mechanically induced PAA with a non-diseased VSMC profile emphasizes these findings. Carefully concluded, PAA pathogenesis shows similar features to AAA, yet the mechanisms involved might differ. APOE is specifically higher expressed in PAA tissue and could be involved in VSMC phenotype rescue.

Limb salvage and survival after urgent surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) need urgent treatment in case of acute thrombosis, distal embolization, or rupture. Few data are available in the literature about the treatment results in these scenarios. The aim of the present study was to evaluate an 11-year multicenter experience in the urgent treatment of PAAs. METHODS: All symptomatic PAAs surgically treated in two vascular centers between 2010 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. In the postoperative period periodical clinical and Duplex-Ultrasound evaluation were performed. The evaluated endpoint was the outcome of urgent PAAs treatment according to their clinical presentation. Statistical analysis was performed by Kaplan-Meier log-rank evaluation and multivariable Cox regression tests. RESULTS: Sixty-six PAAs needed an urgent repair. Twelve (18%) patients had a PAA rupture and 54 (82%) had an acute limb ischemia (ALI) due to either distal embolization or acute thrombosis. Patients with ALI underwent bypass surgery in 51 (95%) cases, which was associated with preoperative thrombolysis in 18 (31%) cases. A primary major amputation was performed in 3 (5%) cases. The mean follow-up was 52 ± 21 months with an overall 5-year limb salvage of 83 ± 6%. Limb salvage was influenced only by the number of patent tibial arteries (pTA) [5-years limb salvage 0%, 86 ± 10%, 92 ± 8% and 100% in case of 0, 1, 2 or 3 pTA, respectively (P = .001)]. An independent association of number of pTA and limb loss was found [hazard ratio (HR): 0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.03-0.6), P = .001]. Overall 5-year survival was 71 ± 7%. Ruptured PAAs were associated with lower 5-year survival compared with the ALI group (48 ± 2% vs. 79 ± 7%, P = .001). The number of pTA (33 ± 20%, 65 ± 10%, 84 ± 10% and 80 ± 10% for 0, 1, 2 and 3 pTA, respectively, P = .001) and the thrombolysis (94 ± 6% vs. 62 ± 10%, P = .03) were associated with higher survival in patients with ALI. There was an independent association of number of pTA and long-term survival [HR 0.15 (95% CI 0.03-0.8), P = .03]. CONCLUSIONS: PAA rupture is the cause of urgent PAA treatment in almost one fifth of cases, and it is associated with lower long-term survival. ALI can benefit from thrombolysis, and long-term limb salvage and survival are associated with the number of pTA.

Inflammatory popliteal aneurysm associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection involves the phase of viral replication and inflammatory response predicting the severity of COVID-19. Vascular involvement in SARS-CoV-2 infection has been well established. Thrombotic complications are common, while only few cases of dilatative diseases have been reported. CASE REPORT: We herein report the case of a 65-year-old male patient with an inflammatory 25-mm saccular popliteal artery aneurysm detected six months after symptomatic COVID-19 (pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism). The popliteal aneurysm was surgically managed with aneurysmectomy, and reversed bifurcated vein graft. Histological examination detected the infiltration of monocytes and lymphoid cells into the arterial wall. CONCLUSIONS: Popliteal aneurysm could be related to inflammatory response related to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The aneurysmal disease should be considered mycotic and surgically managed without prosthetic grafts.

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

BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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.