IMA clipping for a type ii endoleak: combined laparoscopic and endovascular approach

We describe herein a combined laparoscopic and endovascular approach to treat a type II endoleak due to retrograde flow in the patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). A 61-year-old gentleman presented with enlarging aneurysm sac confirmed on computed tomography scan evaluation after elective endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. A combined laparoscopic and endovascular approach was used. After distal IMA was identified and marked with a clip laparoscopically, on-table angiography showed a proximal left colic branch and persistent flow in the IMA. Therefore, further laparoscopic exploration was performed by dissection along the distal branch. The origin of IMA was then located and subsequently sealed with 2 surgical clips. The completion angiography confirmed the proper position of the surgical clips and absence of endoleak. Our case demonstrated useful role of endovascular techniques in identifying the origin of IMA during laparoscopic approach for treating type II endoleak.     

Patency of Infrarenal Aortic Side Branches Determines Early Aneurysm Sac Behavior after Endovascular Repair

In this study we sought to determine whether initial abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac anatomy, morphology, and side branch patency influence changes in aneurysm size and development of endoleak following endovascular repair. A blinded, retrospective review of preintervention CT scans and angiograms was conducted on 70 consecutive patients treated for infrarenal AAA (mean size 6.0 +/- 0.8 cm) by AneuRx stent-graft exclusion. Initial AAA diameter and side branch (inferior mesenteric artery [IMA], lumbar artery pair) patency, AAA clot/sac diameter ratio, wall thrombus and calcification distributions, attachment site anatomy, endograft size, and other clinical parameters were correlated with postoperative persistent side branch patency, presence of type II endoleak, and change in AAA diameter (increase/decrease ? 5 mm) using contingency table analyses. Patients underwent CT scanning and/or color duplex imaging at 1 month and at 3 (with endoleak) or 6 (without) month intervals postoperatively with 50 patients followed beyond 6 months (mean follow-up 11 +/- 7 months). The majority of patients possessed patent side branches prior to intervention (lumbar [n = 60, 86%], IMA [n = 45, 64%]). Development of type II endoleak or persistence of side branches could not be predicted (p > 0.05) from preoperative AAA side branch patency or any of the other initial anatomic AAA variables. On serial post-repair CT or duplex cans, 42% (19/45) of IMAs and 27% (16/60) of lumbar artery pairs remained patent. For patients followed beyond 6 months, type II endoleaks persisted in half (13/25) of the patients with patent side branches with roughly equal proportions fed by IMA and lumbar sources. Persistent side branches or presence of type II endoleak was associated with AAA expansion or the failure of aneurysm size diminution after endografting (p <0.01). Aneurysm sac regression was most likely in the absence of endoleak and patent side branches. We conclude that persistent side branch patency not only fuels development of type II endoleak but also influences early aneurysm sac behavior after endovascular repair. Optimal anatomic patient selection for endografting may not be possible on the basis of our initial experience, since preoperative AAA variables did not predict persistence of side branches or type II endoleaks.     

Total robotic ligation of inferior mesenteric artery for type II endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair

We present a case of totally robotic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) for treatment of a persistent endoleak from the IMA into the aneurysm sac after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). An 84-year-old male underwent EVAR with a Gore Excluder stent graft for an asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Follow-up computed tomographic (CT) scan showed persistent type II endoleak from the IMA, with progressive enlargement of the aneurysm sac from 5 to 6.1 cm over an 18-month period. In this case, the patient underwent ligation of the IMA using the da Vinci Surgical System for the treatment of retrograde flow into the aneurysm sac. The total operating time was 249 min; of this, the robotic assistance time was approximately 180 min. No intraoperative complications occurred. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL and the urine output 650 mL. The patient was extubated immediately after the procedure and tolerated a regular diet the following day. He was discharged home with a urinary catheter on postoperative day 2. CT scan postoperatively and at 3-month follow-up demonstrated an occluded IMA and stabilization of the aneurysm sac size.     

Laparoscopic repair of a type II endoleak

A 72-year-old male underwent an uncomplicated endovascular repair of a 6.1-cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Routine follow-up at 18 months postoperatively revealed the presence of a type II endoleak, and that the aneurysm had increased in size. The endoleak was repaired by laparoscopic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery. A postoperative computerized tomography scan revealed cessation of flow through the inferior mesenteric artery. The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home on the same day.     

Laparoscopic inferior mesenteric artery ligation: an alternative for the treatment of type II endoleaks

One of the complications of endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is endoleak from a patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). Between 1995 and 2002, of 213 patients who had endografts placed for abdominal aortic aneurysm, 4 (1.8%) had enlarging aneurysms from type II endoleaks involving a patent IMA and underwent a secondary procedure. Two patients had endovascular embolizations through the superior mesenteric artery, and two patients underwent laparoscopic inferior mesenteric artery ligation. In the laparoscopic group, operative time was 85 minutes (range, 35-136 minutes). One laparoscopic procedure had to be redone due to a missed IMA branch. Length of stay was 0 and 3 days. At mean followup at 16 months (range, 2-42 months), all patients had had successful resolution of endoleaks. Laparoscopic ligation is a minimally invasive treatment for IMA-mediated type II endoleaks.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内治疗并发症内漏的诊治

目的 探讨血管内技术治疗腹主动脉瘤时特有并发症内漏的诊断与处理方法。方法 对已施行腔内治疗37例腹主动脉瘤患者进行回顾性分析,讨论部分患者并发内漏的原因、诊断、处理、结果及预后。结果 37例支架型血管放置完成后,13例发现存在不同程度的内漏,其中I型6例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型1例,不明原因1例,1期经相关技术处理后I型、Ⅲ型内漏完全消失。手术结束时原发性内漏发生率13．5％（5／37）。随诊发现原发性内漏3例自愈,2例转化为持续性内漏;另发现2例继发性内漏发生率13．5％（5／37）。随诊发现原发性内漏3例自愈,2例转化为持续性内漏;另发现2例继发发现人漏。本组患者晚期内漏发生率10．8％（4／37）。结论 引起漏血的原因可能与瘤颈形态、长度、成角、钙化、移植物选择、分支血管血液倒流等因素有关。强调术中发现并一期处理,术后应密切随访。增强CT、血管超声和MRA检查是术检后检测内漏的主要手段。对漏血量及瘤体有增大趋势的内漏应积极处理。     

Aortoenteric Fistula After Endovascular Stent Grafting for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Report of a Case

We report a case of an aortoenteric fistula (AEF) developing after endovascular stent grafting (EVSG) for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A 69-year-old male patient with a history of panperitonitis caused by rectal perforation underwent EVSG for an AAA. A follow-up contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, done 12 months after the EVSG, confirmed shrinkage of the AAA with no endoleak. However, 19 months postoperatively, an AEF developed between the AAA and the jejunum. Although there was no endoleak on a subsequent CT scan, we noted enlargement of the AAA and inflammatory changes in the surrounding tissue. The patient was treated surgically and discharged in good health 74 days postoperatively. Thus, one should consider the possibility of this devastating complication, even in patients without an endoleak, after EVSG for AAA.     

Ischemic Colitis following Translumbar Thrombin Injection for Treatment of Endoleak

Endoleaks remain a significant challenge after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Translumbar thrombin injection of the aneurysm sac has been used to treat endoleaks, with low reported morbidity. We present an unusual case of ischemic colitis following translumbar thrombin injection of an endoleak. A 67-year-old male with a 5.8-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was evaluated for endograft repair. The patient underwent preoperative embolization of the right hypogastric artery. The AAA was repaired using a unibody bifurcated graft (Ancure). Completion aortogram revealed no endoleak and a widely patent left hypogastric artery. Computed tomography (CT) at 2 months showed an endoleak appearing to originate from a lumbar artery near the proximal attachment site with outflow via the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA). The endoleak was successfully treated with CT-guided translumbar injection of 8000 units of thrombin into the aneurysm sac. The patient subsequently developed chronic abdominal pain, diarrhea, and a weight loss of 20 lbs. Colonoscopy revealed ischemic colitis of the rectosigmoid colon. Duplex evaluation indicated a patent superior mesenteric artery and IMA distal to its origin. Medical treatment failed and the patient underwent a low anterior resection 2 months later (4 months post-EVAR). Subsequently, the aneurysm has decreased to 5.4 cm, with no evidence of endoleak at 1 year. We conclude that ischemic colitis may occur following translumbar thrombin injection. Thrombin embolization into the rectosigmoid arcade via the IMA was most likely the cause in this case. This problem can potentially be avoided by treating the IMA endoleak outflow prior to translumbar thrombin injection of the aneurysm sac. Thorough arteriographic evaluation of endoleaks should be performed prior to any interventions. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Southern California Vascular Surgical Society, Carlsbad, CA, April 11-13, 2003.     

Relationship between preoperative patency of the inferior mesenteric artery and subsequent occurrence of type II endoleak in patients undergoing endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was (1) to find out whether preoperative inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) patency (on radiographic imaging) predicts IMA-related endoleaks after endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms, (2) to determine feasibility of measuring aneurysm sac pressures in patients with endoleaks, and (3) to report early evidence of effective endovascular obliteration of IMA endoleaks. METHODS: We studied 76 consecutive cases of infrarenal aortic aneurysms that were repaired with an endovascular approach (March 1998-April 1999). RESULTS: There were 13 (17%) endoleaks persistent 30 days after the procedure. Eleven (85%) of these 13 were IMA-related endoleaks, which were documented with selective superior mesenteric artery angiography. The preoperative finding (on computed tomographic scan) of a patent IMA does not always predict an IMA-related endoleak, but results in a statistically and clinically significant higher ratio of patients with IMA-related endoleaks in the immediate postoperative period (24% versus 3%, P <.035). In eight of the 11 patients with persistent IMA-related endoleaks, measurement of intra-aneurysm sac pressures was possible, and six of these patients had systemic pressures within the excluded aneurysm sac. Nine (82%) of 11 IMA-related endoleaks were successfully obliterated by means of selective IMA embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Many endoleaks are caused by a patent IMA, and this can result in persistence of systemic pressure within the aneurysm sac. The preoperative finding (on computed tomographic scan) of a patent IMA is a predictor of increased rates of IMA endoleaks, and IMA endoleaks can be successfully obliterated through endovascular procedures, after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.     

Diagnosis and Treatment of Type II Endoleak after Stent Placement for Exclusion of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

After endovascular treatment of AAA, regular clinical and radiologic surveillance is necessary for early diagnosis and treatment of mid-term and long-term complications. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the efficacy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in screening for type II endoleaks and assessing the results of treatment by embolization. From March 1996 to November 1999, 64 patients with uncomplicated infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were treated by endovascular exclusion with a covered aortic stent. Radiological surveillance included plain abdominal roentgenogram (PAR), CT scan, and pelvioabdominal MRI at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months thereafter. Arteriography was performed routinely after 1 year or sooner if an endoleak was suspected. Based on the results of this study, MRI seems to be more sensitive than CT scanning for detection of type II endoleaks. The negative predictive value of MRI is also better. In this series, all endoleaks were treated by embolization. In most cases, the maximum transverse diameter and maximum anteroposterior diameter decreased after embolization. Further follow-up will be necessary to confirm these findings.     

Laparoscopic Ligation of Inferior Mesenteric Artery and Internal Iliac Artery for the Treatment of Symptomatic Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

We present a case undergoing successful laparoscopic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and internal iliac artery (IIA) for the treatment of a symptomatic type II endoleak (T2E) after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The patient presented with abdominal and back pain 1 year after EVAR. Subsequent enhanced computed tomography scan showed aneurysm sac enlargement from 60 mm to 70 mm, and digital substraction angiography revealed a T2E caused by patent IMA and right IIA. Then the patient underwent successful laparoscopic ligation of the IMA and right IIA. Postprocedural angiogram demonstrated complete resolution of the type II endoleak, and no intraoperative complications occurred. Also, there was no remaining abdominal pain or back pain after the operation.Key words: Laparoscopic ligation, Endoleak, Endovascular aneurysm repair, Inferior mesenteric artery, Internal iliac arteryEndovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is gaining acceptance as a safe and effective minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery in selected patients.¹ Type II endoleaks (T2E) from retrograde flow of collateral arterial branch can occur in 20%−30% of patients after EVAR.² We present a case undergoing successful laparoscopic ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and internal iliac artery (IIA) for the treatment of a symptomatic endoleak from both arteries into the aneurysm sac.     

Abdominal aortic aneurysm size regression after endovascular repair is endograft dependent

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine whether abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) regression is different with various endografts after endovascular repair. METHODS: A four-center retrospective review of size change after endovascular AAA repair was performed. Consecutive patients with at least 1-year follow-up and available imaging studies were included. Three hundred ninety patients received either the Ancure, AneuRx, Excluder, or Talent endograft. AAA size and endoleak status were recorded from computed tomography (CT) scans at the initial postoperative follow-up visit and at 1 and 2 years thereafter. AAA size was defined as the minor axis of the infrarenal aorta on the largest axial section on the two-dimensional CT scan. A change in AAA size of 0.5 cm or greater from baseline was considered clinically significant. The effect of initial size, endoleak, and type of endograft on AAA regression was analyzed. RESULTS: Mean baseline size was significantly greater with Talent endografts and smaller with Excluder endografts. Clinically significant regression in AAA size occurred in nearly three fourths of patients with Ancure and Talent endografts at 2 years. Regression in AAA size was less frequent with the AneuRx (46%) and Excluder (44%) devices. Initial size, endoleak, and endograft type were significant predictors of regression at multivariate analysis at 1 year. However, by 2 years only endograft type was still an independent predictor of AAA shrinkage. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term morphologic changes after endovascular aneurysm repair depend on endograft type.     

The combined treatment of aortic stenosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm using transcatheter techniques: a case report

We describe the case of an 85 year old lady with symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) with a history of previous coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), who was referred for consideration of aortic valve replacement (AVR). Echocardiography revealed severe AS with peak gradient of 92 mmHg, orifice area of 0.6 cm2 and preserved left ventricular function. Computed tomography (CT) aortogram revealed a diffusely calcified aorta and an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) measuring 6.5 cm. For symptomatic and prognostic reasons she needed treatment of both the AAA and AS. Her calculated logistic EuroSCORE for AVR was 39%. Following discussion at a multidisciplinary forum, it was agreed that the best way to offer her treatment with the lowest risk was by using transcatheter techniques for both pathologies. She subsequently underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) via the transapical approach to treat her AS, and 3 months later, endovascular stenting of her infrarenal AAA. She recovered well from both procedures. At 6 week follow up, her cardiac symptoms had improved considerably, and echocardiography revealed a mean AV gradient of 7 mmHg with good left ventricular function. Ultrasound of her abdomen revealed exclusion of the aneurysm sac with no endoleak. This is the first described case of TAVI and endovascular treatment of an AAA as a staged procedure.     

Type II endoleak in porcine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable in vivo porcine model of type II endoleak resulting from endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR), for the study and treatment of type II endoleak. METHODS: Eight pigs underwent creation of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm, with a Dacron patch with preservation of lumbar branches. An indwelling pressure transducer was placed in the aneurysm sac. After 1 week the animals underwent EVAR with a custom-made Talent endograft. After another week the animals underwent laparoscopic lumbar artery ligation. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography was performed after each procedure. Aneurysm sac pressure was measured in sedated and awake animals. RESULTS: All eight animals underwent successful creation of an aortic aneurysm and EVAR resulting in exclusion of the aneurysm sac. After creation of the aneurysm the sac mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 72.5 +/- 6.1 mm Hg and the sac pulse pressure was 44.8 +/- 8.7 mm Hg. Postoperative computed tomography scans demonstrated a type II endoleak from the lumbar branches in all animals. While aneurysm sac MAP (56.5 +/- 7.9 mm Hg; P <.01) and pulse pressure (13.6 +/- 4.1 mm Hg; P <.01) decreased after EVAR, sac pulse pressure remained, with type II endoleak. All animals underwent laparoscopic lumbar artery ligation, which resulted in further reduction in the sac MAP (38.3 +/- 4.6 mm Hg; P <.02) and immediate absence of sac pulse pressure (0 mm Hg; P <.01). Necropsy confirmed the absence of collateral flow in the aneurysm sac, with fresh thrombus formation in all animals. CONCLUSION: We present a reliable and clinically relevant in vivo large animal model of type II endoleak. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We set out to show that aortic aneurysm sac pressurization caused by lumbar arterial flow in the setting of type II endoleak can be reproduced in an in vivo porcine model of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. Indeed, in this model the aneurysm sac pulse pressure was a sensitive indicator of type II endoleak, correlating well with findings at computed tomography, and lumbar artery ligation eliminated the endoleak, as demonstrated on computed tomography scans and sac pressure measurement. Therefore we believe this in vivo large animal model can be instrumental in the study of many aspects of the physiologic features of type II endoleak.     

Risk factors of early and late complications in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVES: to identify pre-operative factors that could predict complications following from transluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). METHODS: during a 5-year period, 96 consecutive patients underwent elective endovascular treatment of a AAA. In all patients, helical CT and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and plain abdominal roentgenogram were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and yearly thereafter. Angiography was performed systematically 1 year after the stent-graft implantation, or earlier if helical CT or MRI diagnosed an increase in the maximal transverse diameter or a high flow endoleak. RESULTS: early (<30 days) morbidity (12%) was significantly increased by pre-operative renal insufficiency (p < 0.01). Early mortality (2%) correlated with ASA score (p = 0.01). Median follow-up was 27 months (range 3-66). Mortality (12%) during follow-up was correlated to the pre-operative coronary status (p = 0.01). A type I endoleak was diagnosed in 18 patients (19%). Common iliac artery diameter was correlated with the presence of type I endoleak (p < 0.001). A type II endoleak was diagnosed in 47 (49%) patients. The diagnostic of type II endoleak was significantly increased (p = 0.001) in patients with pre-operative patent IMA associated with more than four patent lumbar arteries. The anatomic characteristics of the aneurysm were correlated to the additional endovascular procedures during stentgraft implantation (p = 0.01), and to the implantation of a complementary iliac limb extension during follow-up (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: the risk factors determined by this statistical analysis could help surgeons to select more accurately patients suitable for endovascular treatment.     

Conformational changes associated with proximal seal zone failure in abdominal aortic endografts

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become a popular treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This study examines conformational changes in the infrarenal aortas of patients in whom proximal seal zone failures (PSF) developed after EVAR. METHODS: All 189 patients with aortic endograft underwent routine post-EVAR computed tomographic scan surveillance. Patients identified with proximal type I endoleaks, type III endoleaks, or proximal component separation without demonstrable endoleak underwent three-dimensional reconstruction of the computed tomographic scans from which measurements of the migration, length, volume, and angulation of the infrarenal aorta were made. RESULTS: Five patients (3%) had PSF develop, four of whom had aortic extender cuffs. Although changes in the AAA volume and aortic neck angle were slight or variable, the mean AAA length increased 34 mm and the mean aortic body angulation increased 17 degrees (P =.03 and.01, respectively). Lengthening and migration caused proximal component separation in four patients, with concomitant migration in two patients. Two patients underwent endovascular repair, two patients needed explantation of the endograft, and one patient awaits endovascular repair. Proximal component separation and type III endoleak recurred in one patient and were repaired with a custom-fitted graft. CONCLUSION: PSF of aortic endografts is associated with proximal angulation and lengthening of the infrarenal aorta. These findings reinforce the importance of proper initial deployment to minimize the need for aortic extender cuffs, which pose a risk of late endoleak development.     

Aortoduodenal fistula occurring after type II endoleak treatment with coil embolization of the aortic sac

A bifurcated stent graft device was successfully deployed to exclude an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with adequate proximal aortic neck morphology. At 6 months, a type II endoleak was successfully embolized through a proximal perigraft channel with metallic coils. The patient was seen with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and a pulsatile abdominal mass 11 months later. Surgical exploration revealed an aortoduodenal fistula in the vicinity of the previous embolization. We discuss the possible causes of this complication and review the literature on the subject. We conclude that aortoduodenal fistula can occur after endovascular AAA repair despite the absence of endoleak or AAA diameter increase on follow-up computed tomographic scan.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术中髂动脉瘤的处理策略

目的:探讨腹主动脉瘤合并髂动脉瘤的腔内修复术(EVAR)方法。方法:回顾性分析2007年8月—2014年3月35例腹主动脉瘤合并髂动脉瘤行EVAR术患者资料,其中9例合并单侧髂内动脉瘤,1例合并双侧髂内动脉瘤,14例合并单侧髂总动脉瘤(直径18 mm),11例合并双侧髂总动脉瘤,所用腔内技术包括栓塞髂内动脉瘤后覆盖,髂内动脉瘤单纯覆盖,"喇叭口"支架,以及"三明治"技术重建一侧髂内动脉等。结果:所有腔内技术均获得成功,手术时间(125±40)min,出血量(173±65)m L。术中发现内漏8例(22.9%),其中I型内漏4例(近端2例,远端2例)均经球囊扩张后内漏消失,III型内漏1例,经扩张及部分加弹簧圈栓塞后内漏消失,II型内漏2例及IV型内漏1例,均未予处理。35例术后随访6~60个月,无动脉瘤破裂,2例术后6个月发现腹主动脉瘤体增大,造影确诊远端I型内漏,经弹簧圈栓塞后内漏消失,其余33例瘤体直径无增大。结论:对于合并髂动脉瘤的腹主动脉瘤患者,有效处理髂内动脉,然后根据髂总动脉直径选择合适的治疗方法可以达到理想的近期效果。     

血管内支架移植物治疗胸-腹主动脉瘤

目的　评价内支架移植物 (ESG)植入术治疗胸、腹主动脉瘤的有效性和安全性。方法　 2 8例胸、腹主动脉夹层动脉瘤 (AD或AAA) ,全麻下行血管内支架移植物治疗 ,其中 5例AD植入TALENT移植物 ,9例植入国产ESG ;7例AAA植入Zenith和TALENT分叉型ESG ,7例植入国产ESG。结果　 2 5例动脉假腔及动脉瘤得到有效隔绝。2例AD封堵失败 ;1例AAA移植物遮盖右肾动脉开口 ,术后肾体积缩小 ;1例AAA因多器官衰竭死亡。平均随访 18.5± 15 .1个月( 1～ 5 9个月 ) ,2 5例生活及工作情况良好。结论　ESG植入术可有效治疗StanfordB型AD和肾下AAA ;严格掌握适应证有助于减少并发症     

Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Complicated by Persistent Endotension After Endovascular Repair: Report of a Case

Endoleak and endotension may prevent the successful exclusion of an aneurysm after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). The pressurization in the excluded aneurysm sac caused by endotension may lead to rupture of the aneurysm; however, the cause of endotension and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We report a case of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) complicated by persistent endotension after EVAR. Although no endoleaks were found on conventional double-phase computed tomographic scans, a thrombosed endoleak existed in the side branch and attachment site of the endograft. After treating the undetectable thrombosed endoleaks, physical examination revealed that the pressure of the excluded aneurysm had diminished, with shrinkage of the aneurysm. This case report suggests that a high-pressure undetectable type I or type II endoleak could be a major cause of endotension. Thus, postoperative evaluation of the attachment site of an endograft is important after EVAR.