Posterior approach to open repair of popliteal aneurysm

Right lower extremity popliteal artery aneursym repair: With the posterior approach, a vein or prosthetic graft is used to reconstruct the popliteal artery. A ‘lazy’ S-shaped incision is started superior and medial to the popliteal fossa and carried inferiorly and laterally to minimize problems with scar contracture (A). After gaining vascular control, the popliteal artery is opened and the graft sutured to normal artery proximally and distally (B). Upon completion of the repair, the aneurysm sac is closed over the repair, provided enough arterial wall remains (similar to other aneurysm repairs) (C).