[Aneurysm of the popliteal artery: clinical aspects and therapy]

Experience of the operative treatment of 45 popliteal aneurysms in 41 patients is reported. The importance of immediate surgical reconstruction whenever a popliteal artery aneurysm has been detected is stressed. In fact, the patency rate of the arterial substitutes which are utilised in the reconstructive technique, and therefore the fate of the affected limbs, is chiefly based on the presence of a sufficient run off. Ischaemic complication due to peripheral embolization or sudden thrombosis of the aneurysmatic sac is very often followed by the irreversible closure not only of the tibioperoneal arteries but also of most collateral vessels.