Print DiagnosisTo diagnose popliteal artery aneurysm, a health care provider will usually do a physical exam to check for swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color or temperature on the lower leg and behind the knee. You may be asked questions about your medical history and health habits, such as smoking. TestsImaging tests can help confirm a diagnosis of popliteal artery aneurysm. If you have signs and symptoms of popliteal artery aneurysm, your health care provider may recommend: Duplex ultrasound. This noninvasive test uses sound waves to see how blood flows through the arteries and veins. It's a simple and quick way to diagnose popliteal artery aneurysm. For the test, a health care provider gently moves a small hand-held device (transducer) on the skin behind and around the knee. CT angiography or magnetic resonance (MR) angiography. CT and MR angiography provide detailed images of blood flow in the arteries. Before the images are taken, a contrast dye is injected into a blood vessel. The dye helps the arteries show up more clearly. Care at Mayo Clinic Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your popliteal artery aneurysm-related health concerns Start Here TreatmentTreatment of popliteal artery aneurysm depends on the size of the aneurysm, the symptoms, and a person's age and overall health. Treatment may include: Watchful waiting. This means you'll have frequent checkups and ultrasound tests to monitor the aneurysm, particularly if the aneurysm is small. Medications. Aspirin or another blood thinner (anticoagulant) is usually prescribed for people with popliteal artery aneurysm. Anticoagulants may need to be given by IV. Blood pressure and cholesterol medications also may be recommended to manage heart disease signs and symptoms. Surgery. Open surgery to repair the damaged artery is generally recommended for any sized popiteal artery aneurysm that's causing symptoms or for any popliteal artery aneurysm that's 0.8 inches (2 centimeters) or larger. Sometimes, a less invasive procedure (endovascular repair) may be done to place a stent inside the popliteal artery to hold it open. Request an appointment By Mayo Clinic Staff Popliteal artery aneurysm care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments Feb. 23, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Sidawy AN, et al., eds. Lower extremity aneurysms. In: Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. 9th ed. Elsevier; 2019. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021. Cameron AM, et al. Femoral and popliteal artery aneurysm. In: Current Surgical Therapy. 13th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021. Braswell-Pickering EA. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Dec. 9, 2021. Peripheral arterial aneurysms. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/peripheral-arterial-disorders/peripheral-arterial-aneurysms. Accessed Nov. 1, 2021. Reed AB. Popliteal artery aneurysm. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Nov. 15, 2021. van Laarhoven CJHCM, et al. Systematic review of the co-prevalence of arterial aneurysms within the vasculature. European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery. 2021; doi:10.1016/j.ejvs.2020.10.002. Leake AE, et al. Meta-analysis of open and endovascular repair of popliteal artery aneurysms. Journal of Vascular Surgery. 2017; doi:10.1016/j.jvs.2016.09.029. Related Products & Services Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Popliteal artery aneurysmSymptoms & causesDiagnosis & treatmentDoctors & departmentsCare at Mayo Clinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – Future Care - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Future CareMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20248747 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Popliteal artery aneurysm