Endovascular Versus Open Repair of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The management of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) has undergone significant transition from open surgery to endovascular graft placement with few longitudinal data evaluating outcomes. METHODS: The Centers of Medicare & Medicaid Services Inpatient claims (2005-2007) were queried with a diagnosis of lower extremity artery aneurysm in association with elective Current Procedural Terminology codes for open (OPEN group) and endovascular (ENDO group) repair. RESULTS: A total of 2962 patients were identified. Endovascular interventions significantly increased over the time of the study (11.7% vs 23.6%, P < .0001). Overall complication rates for OPEN and ENDO groups did not differ significantly (11.3% vs 9.3%; P = .017). No differences in the 30- and 90-day mortality rates were found between OPEN versus ENDO groups. The ENDO group had greater 30- and 90-day reinterventions (4.6% vs 2.1%, P = .001 and 11.8% vs 7.4%, P = .0007, respectively). Length of stay (4.5 days vs 2.5 days, P < .0001) and charges ($43 180 vs $35 540, P < .0001) were greater for OPEN group. CONCLUSION: Despite a significant increase in the utilization of endovascular repair of PAAs, endovascular repair was associated with greater reinterventions over time and did not offer a mortality or cost benefit.