ENDOVASCULAR AORTIC STENT-GRAFTS - TRANSCATHETER EMBOLIZATION OF PERSISTENT PERIGRAFT LEAKS

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy of transcatheter embolization of periprost hetic leaks from aortic stentgrafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pati ents with a long-standing (3-13 months) perigraft leak after stentgraf t implantation underwent transcatheter embolization. Leakage was demon strated 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 necessar y in one patient to complete occlusion of the aneurysm. No further ane urysmal growth was detected during 4-9 months follow-up. Right leg par esis was observed in one patient immediately after the procedure, but symptoms disappeared completely after 8 days. Another patient had a mi nor sensory deficit in the region of the right crural nerve. CONCLUSIO N: Transcatheter embolization of perigraft leaks appears to be an effe ctive technique to achieve aneurysmal thrombosis.