Surgical repair of a popliteal vein aneurysm to prevent thromboembolic complications

Abstract

SummaryThe case reported here involves a 72-year-old female patient with right-sided popliteal vein aneurysm, which became apparent during follow-up ultrasound scanning after deep venous thrombosis of the left leg with pulmonary embolism. Due to the size of the aneurysm, the decision was made to perform surgery. The aneurysm was tangentially resected by means of plication. Aneurysms of the deep venous system carry a considerable risk of a thromboembolic event and therefore require treatment, even when they are asymptomatic. Surgical treatment of an aneurysm of the deep leg veins is a safe and low-risk procedure for the prevention of pulmonary embolism.