The physicians at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute perform open and minimally invasive endovascular repairs of popliteal aneurysms.
Our specialists are among the most experienced in the region at diagnosing and treating popliteal aneurysms using open surgery and minimally invasive techniques. We will carefully evaluate your health history and condition before making a recommendation about which treatment approach is best for you.
A popliteal aneurysm is a widening or bulging of the popliteal artery, which is located behind your knee. Popliteal aneurysms do not usually cause symptoms and are often discovered during a routine physical examination. Although the cause of popliteal aneurysms is unknown, they tend to occur in older men and women, but are more common in men.
A popliteal aneurysm is most commonly confirmed with an ultrasound exam. The ultrasound helps determine the size of the aneurysm and whether it contains a clot. These types of aneurysms rarely rupture, but they are considered dangerous because they can either clog your artery or cause a clot to travel down your artery and into your foot, which can lead to the need for amputation of the lower leg and/or foot.
The physicians at PHCVI perform both open surgery and endovascular procedures to repair popliteal aneurysms. Your doctor will look at the size and placement of your aneurysm, as well as your overall health and physical condition, to determine which treatment option is right for you.
Endovascular repair is less invasive than open surgery. Your surgeon will insert a long, flexible tube called a catheter into an artery through your groin or skin and thread the catheter to the aneurysm. Your doctor will then insert an artificial tube called a stent graft through the catheter and expand it against the walls of the artery. The stent graft will help to prevent a blood clot from moving to and blocking your leg and knee arteries. It also will prevent rupture of the aneurysm.
Endovascular treatment may be recommended for patients who are not good candidates for open surgery due to other health problems, including cardiac or pulmonary conditions.
During open surgery, your surgeon will cut your skin and tissue to reach the aneurysm directly. Your surgeon may use a vein graft or a prosthetic graft to bypass the aneurysm. During surgery to bypass the aneurysm, your surgeon will open the sac of the aneurysm, remove the blood clot, and suture together the sac to prevent a recurrence.
When the procedure is completed, you will be moved to recovery for observation and to address any issues you may have with pain. Endovascular procedures usually involve a quicker recovery and shorter hospital stay when compared with open surgery. Your doctor will provide more information on your hospital stay and recovery.
You should ask your doctor when you can return to work and resume normal activities. It is very important that you see your doctor for follow-up visits as recommended.
Phone: 717-731-0101
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
1251 East Main Street
Suite 3
Annville, PA 17003
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
360 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Adult Cardiology: 717-243-6557
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-243-0102
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2020 Technology Parkway
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Adult Cardiology: 717-731-0101
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-731-8359
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Office Building 2
2005 Technology Parkway
Suite 300
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Main Number: 717-988-5864
Fax: 717-231-8568
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
900 Century Drive
Suite 100
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Phone: 717-591-3660 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-591-3661
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Medical Professional Center of Newport
300 Bretz Court
Newport, PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-7246 or 800-248-0257
Fax: 717-567-2621
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at Brady Building
205 South Front Street
4th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone: 717-231-8555
Fax: 717-231-8568
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
2808 Old Post Road
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Adult Cardiology: 717-920-4400
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-920-4401
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
12 Saint Paul Drive
Suite 205
Chambersburg, PA 17201
Adult Cardiology: 717-217-6881
Pediatric Cardiology: 717-761-0200
Fax: 717-217-6889
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
Located at UPMC Outpatient Center
2201 Brunswick Drive
2200
Hanover, PA 17331
Phone: 717-637-1738
Fax: 717-646-7430
UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute
233 College Avenue
Suite 203
Lancaster, PA 17603
Phone: 717-988-5864
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