What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a localised bulge in an artery caused by weakening, which may be a result of atherosclerosis or an infection, or injury of the arterial wall. A peripheral aneurysm is an aneurysm which is not located in the aorta. They usually occur in the popliteal artery in your leg, though may also occur in other areas.
How does the procedure work?
The interventional radiologist will access the affected area by inserting the devices for the procedure into an artery in your groin, and will use image guidance to move the devices to the aneurysm. However, you may need surgery to reach the required artery. There are a number of options for treatment – the treatment you will undergo depends on the location and the shape of the aneurysm.
One possible option for endovascular treatment of peripheral aneurysms is to use a stent graft in the artery to cover the area affected by the aneurysm. Alternatively, the inside space of the aneurysm can be filled with embolic material (such as tiny coils or glue) which prevents blood flow to the aneurysm. The other possible option is to block blood flow to the vessel.
