[Aneurysms of the popliteal artery. Intravascular bypass using the internal saphenous vein]

Abstract

We used the internal saphenous vein to create an intravascular bypass for the treatment of aneurysms of the popliteal artery. The saphenous vein was positioned within the lumen of the aneurysmal popliteal artery and in the superficial femoral artery at its origin. Two end-to-end anastomoses were made including the venous wall within the suture. This new surgical technique is based on 3 criteria. i) anatomic: the venous bypass follows the exact path as the artery since it is situated within the lumen; ii) haemodynamic: end-to-end anastomoses are used to avoid turbulence created with end-to-side sutures; iii) histologic: the venous endothelium protects better against thrombus formation ensuring good long-term permeability.