Current evidence on endovascular stent-grafting of popliteal aneurysms is limited in quantity but shows no major safety concerns. Evidence on efficacy is inadequate because it is limited to the short-term. Therefore, this procedure should only be used with special arrangements for clinical governance, consent and audit or research.
Clinicians wishing to undertake endovascular stent-grafting of popliteal aneurysms should take the following actions
Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts.
Ensure that patients and their carers understand the uncertainty about the procedure's long-term efficacy and provide them with clear written information. In addition, the use of NICE's information for the public is recommended.
Audit and review clinical outcomes of all patients having endovascular stent-grafting of popliteal aneurysms (see section 3.1).
Patient selection for this procedure should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team which should include a vascular surgeon and an interventional radiologist with specific training and experience in the technique.
NICE encourages further research into endovascular stent-grafting of popliteal aneurysms and may review this procedure on publication of further evidence.