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


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


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.
Makaroun
M
M
Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Zajko
A
A
Sugimoto
H
H
Eskandari
M
M
Webster
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D001027:Aortography; D001807:Blood Vessel Prosthesis; D018450:Disease Progression; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D015607:Stents; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed