From the neoaortoiliac system to the popliteal artery reconstruction using bovine pericardium grafts

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are a common peripheral vascular disease with a high risk of complications. While surgical bypass is the mainstay of treatment, graft infection is a devastating complication often leading to limb loss. This case report presents a successful application of a bovine pericardium graft for popliteal artery reconstruction following synthetic graft infection. Traditional management strategies, such as graft explantation and prosthetic replacement, often result in high rates of limb loss and recurrent infection. The patient in this case presented with a PAA, which was initially treated with synthetic graft bypass. Subsequently, a graft infection developed, necessitating surgical intervention. Given the limitations of other options, a bovine pericardium graft was used for reconstruction. The patient demonstrated successful outcomes with the bovine pericardium graft, achieving patency without complications or reinfection. Although preliminary, this case highlights the potential benefits of bovine pericardium grafts in this challenging clinical scenario. Further research is warranted to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this technique.