Endovascular treatment of peripheral arterial aneurysms.

Aneurysmal degeneration of peripheral arteries occurs less frequently than aortic aneurysm. While rupture is the most common complication of aortic aneurysms, peripheral aneurysms frequently cause thrombosis or embolization of the involved vessels. It has generally been accepted that most peripheral aneurysms in good risk patients should be repaired to avoid the ischemic complications of thrombosis or embolization. Endovascular repair of abdominal aneurysms has revolutionized the treatment of aortic aneurysms. Endovascular techniques have been used to treat peripheral artery aneurysms with varying success. Thrombosis of stent grafts has been a significant problem which has limited the success of this treatment. At present, endovascular treatment of peripheral aneurysms must be reserved for selective instances in very high risk patients. Until devices are developed which resist kinking and thrombosis, open surgery will remain the treatment of choice.