Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
What Is a Peripheral Aneurysm?
A peripheral aneurysm is a localized bulging or ballooning of an artery wall outside the aorta, most commonly occurring in the popliteal artery (behind the knee), and less frequently in the iliac or femoral arteries. Popliteal artery aneurysms in particular are recognized as the most common peripheral artery aneurysm and carry a risk of thrombosis or distal embolization if left unaddressed, which is why physicians may recommend evaluation and, in appropriate cases, treatment.
How Is the Atlas Endovascular Stent Graft Constructed?
The Atlas Endovascular Stent Graft is built around a self-expanding nitinol scaffold covered with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft material. This construction is designed to combine the flexibility and conformability of a nitinol stent frame with the sealing properties of a covered graft, intended to help exclude an aneurysm sac or occlusive segment from the arterial lumen while maintaining a smooth flow channel. The stent frame uses an open-cell design intended to support flexibility and conformability across varied vessel anatomies, including joint-crossing segments such as the popliteal artery.
What Is the Device Intended to Achieve?
The Atlas Endovascular Stent Graft is designed to provide secure occlusion of aneurysms or occlusive lesions in the iliac, femoral, or popliteal segments, with the goal of reducing the risk of aneurysm rupture, embolization, or vessel re-occlusion. The engineered stent geometry is intended to support smooth blood flow through the treated segment and minimize turbulence, which may be a relevant consideration for long-term device performance in a mobile arterial segment.
How Does Endovascular Repair Compare to Open Surgery?
Endovascular stent graft repair is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical aneurysm repair, which traditionally involves direct surgical exposure and reconstruction of the affected artery. Endovascular approaches are generally associated with a percutaneous or small-incision access technique, though the appropriate treatment approach — endovascular versus open surgical repair — depends on aneurysm location, size, anatomy, and the patient's overall surgical risk, as determined by the treating vascular specialist.
What Should Clinicians Consider During Case Selection?
Appropriate patient and lesion selection is central to successful stent graft deployment. Physicians typically evaluate aneurysm size, morphology, proximal and distal landing zone quality, and overall arterial anatomy using CT angiography or catheter-based imaging before determining candidacy for endovascular repair. As with all endovascular procedures, risks such as endoleak, stent migration, or thrombosis are possible and should be discussed as part of informed clinical decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
What arteries is the Atlas Endovascular Stent Graft designed for?
The device is designed for use in the iliac, femoral, and popliteal arteries, addressing peripheral aneurysms and select occlusive lesions in these segments. Suitability for a specific anatomy is determined by the treating physician.
How is a covered stent graft different from a bare peripheral stent?
A covered stent graft, like the Atlas Endovascular Stent Graft, includes a fabric (ePTFE) covering intended to exclude an aneurysm sac or seal a diseased segment from blood flow. A bare stent, such as INVAMED's Atlas Peripheral Stent System, is uncovered and is primarily used to scaffold a narrowed artery rather than to treat an aneurysm.
Is popliteal artery aneurysm repair always necessary?
Not every peripheral aneurysm requires immediate intervention; management depends on aneurysm size, growth rate, symptoms, and risk of complications. A vascular specialist determines the appropriate monitoring or treatment plan based on individual evaluation.
Related INVAMED Resources
- Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Products
- Atlas Peripheral Stent System
- Aortic Aneurysm & Dissection Repair
Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. It is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Product indications, availability, and regulatory status vary by country. Always refer to the official Instructions for Use (IFU) and consult a licensed physician for guidance specific to your situation. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals.