Venous bleeding
Since the popliteal vein runs parallel to the popliteal artery and the epifascial veins and their lateral branches not infrequently encircle the popliteal artery as well, injury to the veins may result in troublesome bleeding.
- Heavy venous bleeding → compression and precise suture
As a preventive measure, clean dissection of the popliteal artery with division of the transverse veins and gentle mobilization of the major deep veins is recommended. If necessary, the veins may also be looped with vessel loops and retracted to the side.
Caution: Marked impairment of venous return due to ligation of multiple veins increases the risk of postoperative occlusion of the revascularized popliteal artery.
Anastomotic stenosis
- Dilation, surgical revision if needed
Peripheral embolization
- Embolectomy
Nerve damage
- Particularly in the posterior approach, careful dissection can prevent any nerve injury