[Popliteal artery aneurysm: surgical and endovascular therapy]

Aneurysms of the popliteal artery are the most common form of peripheral aneurysm with an incidence of 70-80 %. An enlargement of the popliteal artery of more than 50% of the original diameter is defined as a popliteal artery aneurysm and is found mainly in male patients older than 65 years of age. The incidence is 1%, in 50% of cases is bilateral and in up to 50% in association with other large vessel aneurysms (e.g. abdominal aorta). Differential diagnoses are Baker's cyst, cystic adventitial disease, entrapment syndrome and epitheloid hemangioma. One third of all diagnosed popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic incidental findings, whereas two thirds are conspicuous due to symptoms (acute or chronic ischemia, local compression, rupture). The indications for invasive treatment are given for patients with patent aneurysms at a diameter of more than 2 cm or if a thrombus is present within the aneurysm. Symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms are always an indication for therapy. Treatment strategies are surgical techniques and endovascular interventions, which both have a similar outcome and graft patency in midterm results.