Endovascular aortic stent-grafts: transcatheter embolization of persistent perigraft leaks

Abstract

Purpose: To assess efficacy of transcatheter embolization of peri prosthetic leaks from aortic stent-grafts

Materials and methods: Eight patients with a long-standing (3-13 months) perigraft leak after stent-graft implantation underwent transcatheter embolization. Leakage was demonstrated at helical computed tomography (CT). Angiography was performed for evaluation of outflow vessels and transcatheter embolization. All patients underwent helical CT follow-up after the procedure and every 3 months.

Results: Embolization was successful in seven patients and resulted in aneurysmal sac thrombosis. A second procedure was necessary in one patient to complete occlusion of the aneurysm. No further aneurysmal growth was detected during 4-9 months follow-up. Right leg paresis was observed in one patient immediately after the procedure, but symptoms disappeared completely after 8 days. Another patient had a minor sensory deficit in the region of the right crural nerve.

Conclusion: Transcatheter embolization of perigraft leaks appears to be an effective technique to achieve aneurysmal thrombosis.