Prospective study of 36 patients with 46 popliteal artery aneurysms with non-surgical treatment.

This prospective study emphasises the necessity of a prophylactical surgery in patients with an aneurysm diameter > 2 cm. In view of the low rate of complications of the natural course of PAA (6.5% of all PAA or 14.2% for PAA > 2 cm/2.5 years), the bypass surgery should be performed by an experienced vascular department. Patients with PAA < 2 cm or patients with contraindication for peripheral bypass should receive anticoagulation.