Popliteal aneurysms tend to behave differently to aortic aneurysms. As an abdominal aortic aneurysm will get larger and then burst, a popliteal aneurysm will get larger and suddenly block off. This will then block the blood supply to the lower leg which can lead to loss of the leg.
Peripheral aneurysms are usually identified incidentally whilst scanning for other conditions. Once discovered a peripheral aneurysm should be monitored until it reaches its treatment threshold (this varies depending on the aneurysms location). The options for treating a peripheral aneurysm include:
Once an aneurysm is discovered and reaches its treatment threshold a durable treatment method is a bypass graft usually performed using your own vein. Once the bypass has been performed around the aneurysm, the aneurysmal blood vessel is ligated before and after the aneurysm to stop it growing.
Another option for treating peripheral aneurysm in is an operation called an interposition graft. In this procedure the aneurysm itself is opened and a short segment of either prosthetic graft or your own vein is sewn in to replace the diseased segment of the artery. This operation, if your anatomy if suitable has the advantage of using a shorter graft which is the most durable option.
Stenting a peripheral aneurysm is commonly reserved for those patients not suitable for open surgery. A metal stent that is wrapped in fabric is deployed into the artery to reline the aneurysmal part of the vessel. The durability of stents is often less than open surgery and they require very close monitoring to ensure long-term patency.
During your initial consultation with Dr. McGlade he will take a thorough history and examination in regards to your peripheral aneurysm. He will also likely need to organise further screening tests to rule out any other aneurysms in the body and discuss with you the best treatment methods available. This may include monitoring, surgery or stenting. Dr McGlade will also implement good medical management for your systemic arterial disease which commonly involves aspirin, cholesterol lowering medication, and BP medication.
