Treatment of Popliteal Artery Aneurysm <20 mm in Diameter with Thrombus and Suspected Embolism
A small popliteal artery aneurysm (under 20 mm) does not always prompt immediate intervention — but the presence of thrombus alongside clinical suspicion of embolism or imaging evidence of poor distal runoff markedly changes the risk calculus and informs the management decision.
Clinical scenario: Popliteal artery aneurysm <20 mm in diameter, with thrombus present, and either clinical suspicion of embolism or imaging evidence of poor distal runoff. This combination carries a heightened risk of thromboembolic complications and potential limb loss.
Approach: In this scenario, popliteal artery aneurysm repair should be considered — both open and endovascular repair are among the options. The full protocol details the decision criteria, approach selection, and management steps.
References
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.040
We suggest that for patients with a PAA <20 mm, in the presence of thrombus and clinical suspicion of embolism or imaging evidence of poor distal runoff, repair should be considered to prevent thromboembolic complications and possible limb loss.
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