Initial experiences with percutaneous endovascular repair of popliteal artery lesions using a new PTFE stent-graft.

Purpose: To report the percutaneous endovascular management of popliteal artery lesions with a new polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) stent-graft.

Methods and results: Three patients have undergone endovascular treatment in the popliteal region owing to: (1) an iatrogenic false aneurysm with arteriovenous fistula, (2) entrapment syndrome, and (3) an isolated arterial aneurysm. In each case, arterial occlusion was treated initially with thrombolysis. The underlying vascular lesions then were stented using the new Hemobahn endograft, a nitinol stent covered internally with PTFE. Each percutaneous procedure was completed successfully without major complications. During early follow-up (6 to 7 months), no signs of intimal hyperplasia, occlusion, or stent migration have been observed.

Conclusions: Based on these early experiences, percutaneous treatment of stenotic and aneurysmal lesions in the popliteal artery using the Hemobahn endograft appears feasible and effective. Further experience and longer follow-up are required to evaluate this new prosthesis.