Fate of endoleaks after endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with the EVT device

Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 1999 Sep;18(3):185-90. doi: 10.1053/ejvs.1998.0807.

Abstract

Objective: we aim to describe our medium-term follow-up of 20 patients with an endoleak following repair of their abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) using the Endovascular Technologies (EVT) device.

Design: the experience of one centre in a prospective multicentre phase II trial.

Materials and methods: 55 patients with an endovascular repair of their AAA and at least 6 months>> follow-up were reviewed. Intraoperative angiograms, next day duplex scans and computed tomography (CT) images were used to detect endoleaks. Follow-up with CT and duplex was performed at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. Persistent endoleaks at 6 months were evaluated by angiography and treated by endovascular coiling.

Results: there were three immediate conversions to open procedures. Twenty of 52 (38%) patients had an endoleak identified initially. One patient died from a myocardial infarction and three were not evident any longer by discharge CT. Sixteen endoleaks (31%) were present at discharge. Nine resolved spontaneously by 3-6 months and seven were still persistent at 6 months (14%). Six patients underwent coiling of their leak, all with successful radiographic seal after 1-3 sessions.

Conclusions: endoleaks are frequent after endovascular AAA repair, but the majority close spontaneously. Coiling of the leaks and radiographic seal can be achieved in all cases still persistent at 6 months. Whether this method is clinically effective awaits further follow-up.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / surgery*
  • Aortic Rupture / diagnostic imaging
  • Aortography
  • Blood Vessel Prosthesis*
  • Disease Progression
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Stents*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed