Potentials of Using Allografts in Surgical Treatment of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms

BACKGROUND: The gold standard in reconstructive surgical operations on the infrainguinal arteries is the autovenous conduit from the great saphenous vein. However, in the absence of a suitable autovein, difficulties are encountered in the selection of a suitable material for reconstruction. The use of a synthetic prosthesis as an alternative in the knee joint region is not always possible, especially in the distal position. Unsatisfactory results of using such materials dictate the need to choose a suitable graft. The paper describes two case experiences of using allografts from a deceased donor for the surgical treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms. The cases present their potential for use in emergency clinical situations. In the first case, the patient had previously undergone phlebectomy. In the second case, the saphenous veins of the lower limbs had scattered branches and insufficient diameter for reconstruction. CONCLUSION: The described cases presented the possible effective use of allografts from a deceased donor in patients with true popliteal artery aneurysms.