Long-Term Outcomes Following Transarterial Embolisation of Proximal Type I Endoleaks Post-EVAR

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the long-term outcomes following transarterial embolisation for type Ia endoleaks (ELIa) in patients who failed or were unsuitable for standard endovascular/surgical options.

Materials and methods: A retrospective single-centre observational study was performed between October 2010 and April 2018. Technical success rates and long-term outcomes were evaluated. A sub-analysis was performed comparing outcomes of covered aortic endografts and Nellix endovascular aneurysm sealing systems.

Results: A total of 34 transcatheter embolisations were performed for ELIa in 27 patients (13 endografts and 14 patients with Nellix systems). A combination of Onyx and coils was used most frequently (18/34), followed by Onyx alone (14/34) and coils alone (2/34). Technical success was achieved in 33/34 (97%) procedures . Seven early complications occurred with no immediate mortality, 5 of which involved migration/reflux of embolic into the endograft-all successfully managed via endovascular approach. Following the surveillance period (mean 25 months), 13/26 (50%) of patients were free from recurrent endoleak. Sac expansion occurred in 42% (11/26). 21/26 patients died; 6 due to aneurysm sac rupture, 10 due to unrelated causes, and 5 had no cause of death available. No significant difference in survival was found between patients with an endograft or Nellix graft-Chi-squared value - 0.011 (p < 0.05 = 3.84).

Conclusions: Transcatheter embolisation for type Ia endoleaks is a safe and effective option in a select patient cohort-where traditional endovascular and surgical options are unsuitable or have failed. The procedure may prevent recurrence in some whilst delaying rupture and death in others.

Keywords: Endovascular aortic repair; Transarterial embolisaton; Transcatheter embolisation; Type I endoleak; Type Ia endoleak.