Tex Heart Inst J. 2002 ; 29(2): 126-9.

Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery: a rare sequela of acupuncture.

Kao CL, Chang JP.

Division of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that has proved effective in relieving pain of various origins. Pseudoaneurysm resulting from acupuncture is an extremely rare event. Only 4 patients treated surgically for such a condition have previously been reported in the world medical literature. We present the case of a patient who had a pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery that resulted from acupuncture therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee. The patient was successfully treated by direct repair of the pseudoaneurysm.