History of the Management of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

Management of popliteal aneurysms remains controversial. Debate continues as to when an asymptomatic popliteal aneurysm should be treated and, with concerns regarding the fate of a bypassed popliteal aneurysm and the advent of intravascular stents, what procedure is best.This paper reviews the history of popliteal artery aneurysm management with particular emphasis on treatment and results before the modern era of arterial reconstruction. The aim of treatment then was to induce thrombosis. Now it is to prevent thrombosis.