Prognostic factors after open and endovascular repair for infected native aneurysms of the abdominal aorta and common iliac artery.

OBJECTIVE: Infected native aneurysms (INAs) of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries are uncommon, but potentially fatal. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has recently been introduced as a durable treatment option, with outcomes comparable to those yielded by conventional open repair. However, owing to the rarity of the disease, the strengths and limitations of each treatment remain uncertain. The present study aimed to separately assess post-open repair and post-EVAR outcomes and to clarify factors affecting the short-term and late prognosis after each treatment. METHODS: Using a nationwide clinical registry, we investigated 600 patients treated with open repair and 226 patients treated with EVAR for INAs of the abdominal aorta and/or common iliac artery. The relationships between preoperative or operative factors and postoperative outcomes, including 90-day and 3-year mortality and persistent or recurrent aneurysm-related infection, were examined. RESULTS: Prosthetic grafts were used in >90% of patients treated with open repair, and in situ and extra-anatomic arterial reconstruction was performed in 539 and 57 patients, respectively. Preoperative anemia and imaging findings suggestive of aneurysm-enteric fistula were independently associated with poor outcomes in terms of both 3-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-2.62; P = .046, and HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.12-4.46; P = .022, respectively) and persistent or recurrent infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.04-4.49; P = .039, and OR, 4.96; 95% CI, 1.81-13.55; P = .002, respectively) after open repair, whereas omental wrapping or packing and antibiotic impregnation of the prosthetic graft for in situ reconstruction contributed to improved 3-year survival (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.39-0.92; P = .019, and HR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.88; P = .014, respectively). Among patients treated with EVAR, abscess formation adjacent to the aneurysm was significantly associated with the occurrence of persistent or recurrent infection (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.06-4.72; P = .034), whereas an elevated preoperative white blood cell count was predictive of 3-year mortality (HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.00-3.13; P = .048). CONCLUSIONS: Profiles of prognostic factors differed between open repair and EVAR in the treatment of INAs of the abdominal aorta and common iliac artery. Open repair may be more suitable than EVAR for patients with concurrent abscess formation.

Surgical Repair of Abdominal Aorto-Iliac Prosthetic Graft Infections: A Nationwide Japanese Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: Prosthetic graft infection (PGI) after open abdominal aortic and iliac artery reconstruction is life threatening. However, because it is rare and frequently difficult to diagnose, robust evidence on its treatment and optimal management strategies are lacking. This study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics and surgical treatment outcomes of this condition and to identify pre-operative and operative factors affecting its prognosis. METHODS: This was a nationwide cohort study. Using a nationwide clinical registry system, patients who were treated surgically for PGI after open abdominal aortic and iliac artery reconstruction between 2011 and 2017 were investigated, and their profiles and clinical courses were analysed. The relationships between the pre-operative and operative factors and the post-operative outcomes, including death and persistent or recurrent graft related infection, were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 213 patients. The median duration between the index arterial reconstruction and surgical treatment for PGI was 644 days. Fistula development to the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed during surgery in 53.1% of patients. The cumulative overall survival rates at 30 and 90 days, one, three, and five years were 87.3%, 74.8%, 62.2%, 54.5%, and 48.1%, respectively. Pre-operative shock was the only factor independently associated with 90 day and three year death. Short term and late mortality rates, as well as the rate of persistent or recurrent graft related infection, did not differ significantly between patients treated with total removal of the infected graft and those treated with partial removal of the graft. CONCLUSION: Surgery for PGI after open reconstruction of the abdominal aorta and iliac arteries is complex, and the post-operative mortality rate remains high. Partial removal of the infected graft may be an alternative in selected patients with limited extent of infection.

Surgical Treatment for Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome in Japan: a Retrospective, Multicentre Study Using a National Clinical Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment is an established method for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES), which, however, mainly derives from single centre experiences where PAES cases are centralised and treated periodically. This study evaluated clinical outcomes of surgical treatment for PAES in a clinical setting where PAES cases were not centralised. METHODS: Multicentre, retrospective cohort study using a national clinical registry. From a Japanese nationwide clinical registry, data for patients who underwent surgical treatment for PAES between 2013 and 2018, including 58 limbs from 41 institutes, were retrieved and evaluated. Patency was analysed using Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 36 ± 19 years, 78% were male, and the incidence of PAES was 0.24 limbs/centre/year, reflecting a clinical setting where PAES cases are not centralised. The most frequent arterial symptom was intermittent claudication (90%). Computed tomography was performed in 57 limbs (98%) for the diagnosis, however active manoeuvres such as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion during the examination was performed in only 13 limbs (22%), and occlusion of the popliteal artery was present in 38 limbs (66%) at diagnosis. Regarding surgical treatment, myotomy alone was performed in only seven limbs (12%), and other limbs were revascularised. Mean follow up was 26 ± 20 months, and surgical treatment was effective as it relieved symptoms in > 96% of limbs, with five year primary and secondary patency of the surgical treatment for PAES of 72% and 93%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results of surgical treatment were acceptable even in a clinical setting where PAES cases were not centralised. However, a low incidence of active manoeuvres performed during the examination and a high incidence of occlusion at diagnosis suggests there may be delayed or underdiagnosis of PAES in Japan, and increased awareness for PAES is warranted.

Outcomes of Surgery for Endograft Infection in the Abdominal Aorta and Iliac Artery: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to clarify the clinical features, postoperative outcomes, and prognostic factors in patients with endograft infection in the abdominal aorta and iliac artery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Endograft infection in the abdominal aorta and iliac artery is a potentially fatal condition. However, due to its rarity, clinical characteristics and optimal treatment strategy remain to be established. METHODS: In this nationwide retrospective cohort study, we investigated 112 patients who underwent surgical treatment for endograft infection in the abdominal aorta and/or iliac artery between 2011 and 2017 using a Japanese clinical registry. We examined the relationships between the preoperative and operative factors and the outcomes after surgery including persistent or recurrent infection related to the endograft and 90-day and 3-year mortality. RESULTS: The median period between the index endograft placement and surgery for infection was 369.5 days. Persistent or recurrent endograft-related infection occurred in 34 patients (30.4%). The cumulative overall survival rates at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years were 90.2%, 76.5%, 66.7%, 50.9%, and 31.5%, respectively. Partial removal or total preservation of the infected endograft was independently associated with short-term and late mortality. Preoperative anemia and imaging findings suggestive of fistula development to the gastrointestinal tract also showed an independent association with late mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention for endograft infection in the abdominal aorta and iliac artery was associated with a high risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Total removal of the infected endograft should be attempted because partial removal or total preservation can lead to a poor prognosis.

Editor's Choice - Infective Native Aortic Aneurysms: A Delphi Consensus Document on Terminology, Definition, Classification, Diagnosis, and Reporting Standards.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus regarding the terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, or reporting standards for the disease of infective native aortic aneurysm (INAA), previously known as mycotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to establish this by performing a consensus study. METHODS: The Delphi methodology was used. Thirty-seven international experts were invited via mail to participate. Four two week Delphi rounds were performed, using an online questionnaire, initially with 22 statements and nine reporting items. The panellists rated the statements on a five point Likert scale. Comments on statements were analysed, statements revised, and results presented in iterative rounds. Consensus was defined as ≥ 75% of the panel selecting "strongly agree" or "agree" on the Likert scale, and consensus on the final assessment was defined as Cronbach's alpha coefficient > .80. RESULTS: All 38 panellists completed all four rounds, resulting in 100% participation and agreement that this study was necessary, and the term INAA was agreed to be optimal. Three more statements were added based on the results and comments of the panel, resulting in a final 25 statements and nine reporting items. All 25 statements reached an agreement of ≥ 87%, and all nine reporting items reached an agreement of 100%. The Cronbach's alpha increased for each consecutive round (round 1 = .84, round 2 = .87, round 3 = .90, and round 4 = .92). Thus, consensus was reached for all statements and reporting items. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study established the first consensus document on INAA regarding terminology, definition, classification, diagnostic criteria, and algorithm, as well as reporting standards. The results of this study create essential conditions for scientific research on this disease. The presented consensus will need future amendments in accordance with newly acquired knowledge.

Clinical predictors of gangrenous appendicitis: elevated total bilirubin level and computed tomography scan findings.

AIM: Patients with gangrenous appendicitis usually require emergency surgery. Preoperative diagnosis of gangrenous appendicitis is clinically important but not always straightforward. We undertook this study to identify preoperative predictors of gangrenous appendicitis. METHODS: This was a single-center case-control study. We identified 162 patients who underwent appendectomy between September 2011 and August 2014 after the diagnosis of acute appendicitis was established. We identified laboratory parameters and computed tomography (CT) scan findings predictive of histologically or surgically diagnosed gangrenous appendicitis by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Of 146 study patients, gangrenous appendicitis was confirmed in 102. Univariable analysis showed that two laboratory factors (C-reactive protein []and total bilirubin [T-Bil]) and three CT scan findings were significant predictors for gangrenous appendicitis. Multivariable analysis showed that T-Bil and two CT scan findings (appendicolith and fat stranding around the appendix) were independent predictors. The combination of "T-Bil ≥ 1.0 mg/dL or appendicolith" was able to predict gangrenous appendicitis with a sensitivity of 90.5%, positive predictive value of 80.4%, and accuracy of 77.8%. The combination of "T-Bil ≥ 1.0 mg/dL or fat stranding around the appendix" was able to predict gangrenous appendicitis with a sensitivity of 98.9%, positive predictive value of 76.4%, and accuracy of 71.9%. CONCLUSION: These combinations of laboratory and CT scan findings could be valuable as predictors of gangrenous appendicitis.

Aortoduodenal Fistula After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Aortoduodenal fistula after endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm is a very rare but life-threatening complication. Herein, we describe 4 cases of aortoduodenal fistula diagnosed at 15 to 78 months after the index aortic intervention, all successfully treated by surgery. All patients underwent primary repair of the duodenal wall, creation of tube duodenostomy, stent graft removal, and in situ reconstruction using a rifampicin-soaked prosthesis. Patients received prolonged antibiotic treatment for at least 2 months postoperatively, and all were free of recurrent infection at follow-up. Prompt and appropriate surgical intervention is required to effectively manage this condition.

Spontaneous Regression of Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Popliteal Artery: A Case Report.

Spontaneous regression of cystic adventitial disease (CAD) of the popliteal artery is rare. In this report, we describe a 53-year-old woman who presented with left calf pain and was diagnosed with CAD with popliteal artery stenosis, which regressed without therapy. The disease was diagnosed via computed tomography, and a surgical intervention was planned at the time of diagnosis. However, her symptoms disappeared 2 months after the initial presentation. Ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed spontaneous regression of the cystic lesions and resolution of the popliteal artery stenosis. During the 29-month follow-up period, her symptoms did not recur. Although CAD often requires surgical intervention, it may be acceptable to carefully observe patients with spontaneous regression for some time to check for recurrence.

Acute Type B Aortic Dissection Associated with Acute Pancreatitis, Pancreatic Pseudocysts, and Acalculous Cholecystitis.

Acute aortic dissection can result in fatal conditions when associated with organ malperfusion. A rare complication of aortic dissection with organ malperfusion is ischemic pancreatitis with cholecystitis. Here, we present the case of acute type B aortic dissection complicated by concurrent acute ischemic pancreatitis and acalculous cholecystitis. Prompt diagnosis and specific multidisciplinary treatment are crucial to improving patient outcomes in cases of visceral ischemia.

Quantification of aortic shagginess as a predictive factor of perioperative stroke and long-term prognosis after endovascular treatment of aortic arch disease.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) with supra-aortic debranching has recently been introduced as a treatment option for aortic arch disease. Although less invasive than open repair, TEVAR is associated with a risk of perioperative embolic stroke due to dislodgment of atherosclerotic plaque debris, especially in individuals with atheromatous degeneration of the aortic lumen. It is difficult to determine atheroma vulnerability, and there is no current method for predicting the risk of atheroembolism. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of our method of quantifying the shagginess of the aorta in predicting the short- and long-term outcomes of TEVAR involving the aortic arch. METHODS: The study included 77 patients (63 men and 14 women; median age, 78 years) who underwent elective TEVAR for aortic arch disease between 2009 and 2013. The proximal landing of the stent graft was in zone 0 in 22 patients, zone 1 in 23 patients, and zone 2 in 32 patients. The shagginess score of each patient was calculated from preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography images of the aorta using a workstation. The relationships between preoperative factors, including the shagginess score, and the development of perioperative stroke and late survival were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Perioperative ischemic stroke occurred in nine patients, and no patient died within 30 days postoperatively. Univariate analyses demonstrated that the shagginess score was significantly higher in patients who developed postoperative cerebral infarction than in those who did not (P = .04). The median follow-up period was 1570 days, and the 5-year cumulative survival rate was 69.2%. Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that comorbid hypercholesterolemia was significantly associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 3.22; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-8.32; P = .02). As for cardiovascular mortality, the shagginess score was a significant predictive factor (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.04-3.28; P = .04), whereas statin use was significantly protective (HR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.66; P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: The shagginess score may be a useful predictive index of perioperative ischemic stroke as well as a prognostic factor of long-term outcomes after TEVAR with aortic arch involvement.

Outcomes of conservative management of spontaneous celiac artery dissection.

OBJECTIVE: Spontaneous celiac artery (CA) dissection without associated aortic dissection is a rare condition. Although this condition has been diagnosed more frequently with the advent of improved diagnostic imaging modalities, its pathogenesis and treatment strategy remain to be established. The present study examined the clinical features and outcomes of conservative management of this disease. METHODS: The study included 12 patients (10 men and two women) in whom spontaneous CA dissection was diagnosed between 2007 and 2015. The medical records of each patient were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The mean age at diagnosis was 56.4 years (range, 42-77 years). Eight patients presented with abdominal or back pain, and the remaining four patients were asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Four patients had a history of hypertension, and six had a history of smoking. Celiac trunk compression by the median arcuate ligament was found in two patients. The dissection extended into the common hepatic artery in five patients and into the splenic artery in four patients. Retroperitoneal hemorrhage was found in 2 patients, splenic infarction in 3, and transient mild liver dysfunction in 2. All patients were treated conservatively: two patients received short-term anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy, and antihypertensive treatment was initiated in three patients. The mean follow-up period was 35.5 months (range, 5-101 months). Distal extension of the dissection occurred in one patient within a week of the initial symptom, which was also managed conservatively. Late aneurysmal degeneration was not observed in any of the patients, and none required endovascular or surgical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: If the general condition of the patient is stable, then CA dissection can be managed with careful conservative treatment, even in patients with associated retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Long-term anticoagulation or antiplatelet medication may not be necessary in most patients with this condition.

New simple image overlay system using a tablet PC for pinpoint identification of the appropriate site for anastomosis in peripheral arterial reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and utility of a new image overlay system using a tablet PC for patients undergoing peripheral arterial reconstruction. METHODS: Eleven limbs treated with distal bypass surgery were studied. Three-dimensional images obtained by processing a preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan were superimposed onto the back-camera images of a tablet PC. We used this system to pinpoint a planned distal anastomotic site preoperatively and to make a precise incision directly above it during surgery. We used a branch artery near the distal anastomotic site as a reference point and the accuracy of the system was validated by comparing its results with the intraoperative findings. The precision of the system was also compared with that of a preoperative ultrasonographic examination. RESULTS: Both the image overlay system and ultrasonography (US) accurately identified the target branch artery in all except one limb. In that limb, which had a very small reference branch artery, preoperative US wrongly identified another branch, whereas the image overlay system located the target branch with an error of 10 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Our image overlay system was easy to use and allowed us to precisely identify a target artery preoperatively. Therefore, this system could be helpful for pinpointing the most accurate incision site during surgery.

Quantified Aortic Luminal Irregularity as a Predictor of Complications and Prognosis After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

Atheromatous degeneration of the aorta is considered to be a risk factor for postoperative embolic complications after endovascular treatment, and is associated with a high incidence of vascular events in the long term. We devised a method to quantify the shagginess of the aorta using contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images. This study examined the method's validity and prognostic usefulness in patients undergoing elective endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). We retrospectively investigated 427 patients who underwent elective EVAR between 2007 and 2013. Preoperative contrast-enhanced CT images with a slice thickness of 1 mm were analyzed using a workstation, and the degree of aortic luminal irregularity from the level of the left subclavian artery ostium to that of the celiac artery ostium was quantified by computing a shagginess score. We compared the computed scores with subjective visual assessments of aortic shagginess. Subsequently, we evaluated the relationship between the computed scores and postoperative prognosis. The shagginess scores were significantly correlated with the visual assessments of the aortic lumen, which were performed by 5 experienced vascular surgeons (rho ranged from 0.564-0.654, all P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the shagginess score was independently associated with the development of renal impairment within a month after EVAR (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83-4.22, P < 0.001). The shagginess score was significantly higher in patients who suffered postoperative intestinal and peripheral ischemic complications, as compared with those who did not (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 1207 ±â€Š641 days. Cox proportional hazards regression showed that the shagginess score was a significant independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.37; 95% CI, 1.09-1.72, P = 0.007, and HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.04-2.18, P = 0.030, respectively). The results suggest that the shagginess score provides a quantitative reflection of aortic luminal irregularity. It may serve as a useful predictive factor for postoperative renal function deterioration, embolic complications, and long-term mortality after elective EVAR.

Preservation of the accessory renal arteries after endovascular repair of common iliac artery aneurysm using kissing stent grafts.

Exclusion of the accessory renal arteries (ARAs) is required during endovascular aneurysm repair if they arise from the sealing zone or aneurysm sac. Here, we report a case of successful endovascular treatment for a common iliac artery aneurysm located close to the aortic bifurcation and associated with nephrotic syndrome in a 51-year-old man. The bilateral ARAs were successfully preserved using kissing stent grafts. During surgery, the proximal ends of endografts inserted from the bilateral femoral arteries were adjusted so that they met at the same level in the aorta, and simultaneous balloon dilatation was performed. This method can be a useful treatment option for common iliac aneurysms in cases with large ARAs.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Japanese Population.

Characteristics of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are the occlusion or stenosis of multiple vessel sites caused mainly by atherosclerosis and chronic lower limb ischemia. To identify PAD susceptible loci, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 785 cases and 3,383 controls in a Japanese population using 431,666 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). After staged analyses including a total of 3,164 cases and 20,134 controls, we identified 3 novel PAD susceptibility loci at IPO5/RAP2A, EDNRA and HDAC9 with genome wide significance (combined P = 6.8 x 10-14, 5.3 x 10-9 and 8.8 x 10-8, respectively). Fine-mapping at the IPO5/RAP2A locus revealed that rs9584669 conferred risk of PAD. Luciferase assay showed that the risk allele at this locus reduced expression levels of IPO5. To our knowledge, these are the first genetic risk factors for PAD.

Long-Term Results of Treatment for Critical Limb Ischemia.

From 2001 to 2012, arterial reconstruction was performed in 306 out of 497 limbs (62%) with critical limb ischemia. The reasons for non-vascularization include high operative risk (36%), extended necrosis or infection (20%), and technical issues (15%). Cumulative patency and limb salvage in collagen disease were significantly worse compared to arteriosclerosis obliterans. Cumulative limb salvage, amputation free survival (AFS), and major adverse limb event and perioperative death (MALE + POD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were significantly worse compared to patients without ESRD, but not significant with regards to graft patency. Our finding suggests that aggressive arterial reconstruction provides satisfactory long-term results in critical limb ischemia so long as case selection for revascularization is properly made. (This article is a translation of J Jpn Coll Angiol 2014; 54: 5-11.).

Synchronous colorectal malignancy and abdominal aortic aneurysm treated with endovascular aneurysm repair followed by laparoscopic colectomy.

Although the incidence of synchronous abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and malignancies is increasing, there has been no clear consensus in the surgical treatment of such patients. The focus on surgical treatments with minimal invasiveness, such as endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for AAA and laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer, has increased; however, the clinical applicability of combination treatment with EVAR and laparoscopic colectomy has not been established. A 61-year-old man was diagnosed with AAA, advanced sigmoid colon cancer, and coronary artery stenosis. Because the patient also had chronic renal failure with nephrotic syndrome, among several other comorbidities, surgery was considered to be associated with high risks in this patent. Sequential treatments with percutaneous coronary intervention, EVAR, and laparoscopic colectomy were successfully performed. Staged treatment of EVAR followed by laparoscopic colectomy may be a promising strategy for high-risk patients with AAA associated with malignancy.

Viscoelastic Deterioration of the Carotid Artery Vascular Wall is a Possible Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease.

AIM: The viscoelastic properties of the artery are known to be altered in patients with vascular diseases. However, few studies have evaluated the viscoelasticity of the vascular wall in humans. We sought to investigate the degree of viscoelastic deterioration of the carotid artery and assess its clinical implications. METHODS: Between January 2011 and June 2013, patients in whom the toe-brachial index was measured at the vascular laboratory were included in this single-institute retrospective observational study. I(＊), a parameter of viscoelastic deterioration, was computed using a non-invasive ultrasonic Doppler effect sensor on the carotid artery. I(＊) is a non-dimensional value, and I(＊)>0 is considered abnormal. Other patient characteristics were identified and tested for correlations with I(＊). RESULTS: The study included 383 patients. The mean I(＊) value was 0.13 ± 0.22 with a normal distribution. Factors that increased the I(＊) value were a female sex (0.18 ± 0.23 vs. 0.10 ± 0.21, P<0.001), age ≥ 60 (0.14 ± 0.22 vs. 0.06 ± 0.23, P<0.05) and systolic blood pressure of >140 (0.15 ± 0.22 vs. 0.10 ± 0.22, P<0.05). I(＊) abnormality was a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.00-4.80, P<0.05) in a univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, I(＊) abnormality was also found to be an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease (OR 4.56, 95% CI 1.21-30.1, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: I(＊) may reflect the degree of atherosclerotic changes in the arterial wall and could possibly be used to predict coronary artery disease.

Long-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.

The object of the study is to determine the long-term outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with popliteal artery entrapment syndrome at a single institute. We retrospectively reviewed 19 limbs of 16 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome at our hospital over the past 36 years. The popliteal artery was stenotic in 11 limbs, occlusive in 7 limbs, and compressed and deviated by the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle but not damaged in 1 limb. Six limbs were treated with autologous saphenous vein bypass, 10 with bypass or venous patch graft concomitant with musculotendinous section, and 3 limbs underwent musculotendinous section alone. The 10-year cumulative patency of the 13 limbs treated with bypass was 100%, although two of them showed occlusion at 23 and 12 years after surgery. One patient who received a venous patch graft showed occlusion 15 years after surgery. Additionally, one asymptomatic patient with an apparently non-damaged popliteal artery who received preventive musculotendinous section alone showed stenosis of the artery 2 years after musculotendinous section. In conclusion, the bypass patency observed in this study was excellent in the long term. Careful examination of popliteal artery anatomy using imaging studies is essential for selecting the appropriate surgical procedure for popliteal artery entrapment syndrome.