Modeling endoleaks and collateral reperfusion following endovascular AAA exclusion

To investigate the effect on intrasac pressure of stent-graft deployment within a life-size silicone rubber model of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) maintained under physiological conditions of pressure and flow.

A commercial bifurcated device with the polyester fabric preclotted with gelatin was deployed in the AAA model. A pump system generated physiological flow. Mean and pulse aortic and intrasac pressures were measured simultaneously using pressure transducers. To simulate a type I endoleak, plastic tubing was placed between the aortic wall and the stent-graft at the proximal anchoring site. Type II endoleak was simulated by means of side branches with set inflow and outflow pressures and perfusion rates. Type IV endoleak was replicated by removal of gelatin from the graft fabric.

With no endoleak, the coated graft reduced the mean and pulse sac pressures to negligible values. When a type I endoleak was present, mean sac pressure reached a value similar to mean aortic pressure. When net flow through the sac due to a type II endoleak was present, mean sac pressure was a function of the inlet pressure, while pulse pressure in the sac was dependent on both inlet and outlet pressures. As perfusion rates increased, both mean and pulse sac pressures decreased. When there was no outflow, mean sac pressure was similar to mean aortic pressure. In the presence of both type I and type II endoleaks, mean sac pressure reached mean aortic pressure when the net perfusion rate was low.

In vitro studies are useful in gaining an understanding of the impact of different types of endoleaks, in isolation and in combination, on intrasac pressure after aortic stent-graft deployment.