What is a popliteal aneurysm?
The popliteal artery is behind the knee joint and carries blood from the upper to lower part of the leg.
A popliteal artery is usually considered aneurysmal if its diameter exceeds 2cm.
Who gets popliteal aneurysms ?
The risk factors are family history, smoking, blood pressure etc. In particular, if someone has an aneurysm at another site, popliteal aneurysms are also often seen.
What problems do popliteal aneurysms cause ?
The main risk is of the aneurysms bursting and causing massive bleeding. This results from blood clot which gradually builds up on the inside wall of the aneurysm. This is called mural thrombus which, over time, causes severe damage to the arteries lower in the leg and foot.
How are popliteal aneurysms treated ?
The most commonly used method is surgical bypass from the femoral artery above the knee to the popliteal artery below the aneurysm using vein taken from the same leg.
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