Closed plication is a safe and effective method for treating popliteal vein aneurysm

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Vascular Anomalies
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Popliteal vein aneurysms are rare vascular anomalies with debated treatment strategies.
• Anticoagulation alone has a high failure rate (>40%) and risk of pulmonary embolism.
• Surgical management is often preferred, with options including repair, resection, and plication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of venous plication for treating popliteal vein aneurysms.
• To compare closed versus open plication techniques.
• To assess patency rates, recurrence, and complications associated with popliteal vein plication.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of prospectively collected data from 10 patients.
• Analysis of patient characteristics and operative details for popliteal vein plication.
• Examination of periprocedural and follow-up records for outcomes.

Main Results:

• Ten patients underwent popliteal vein plication (9 closed, 1 open).
• Closed plication significantly reduced aneurysm size (2.35 cm to 1.12 cm) with 100% primary patency.
• Follow-up showed 78% stable, normal vein size; low recurrence and complication rates were observed.

Conclusions:

• Closed popliteal vein plication offers favorable primary patency and low recurrence rates.
• This technique avoids complications of tangential repair and resection, such as anticoagulation needs.
• Closed plication is an attractive option for popliteal vein aneurysms without luminal thrombus.