Transarterial Coil Embolization for Type II Endoleak After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)

Background Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has evolved into treatment of choice for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Type II endoleaks, although frequently benign, can lead to sac enlargement and rupture. Management of these endoleaks by endovascular means can be quite challenging and may require complex techniques and assistance of interventional radiologists, not always available in all vascular units. This is a single-center study of management of type II endoleaks with transarterial coil embolization performed by vascular surgeons and with minimum requirements regarding the necessary equipment. Methods From 2017 to 2022, 13 patients with type II endoleak were treated. Local anaesthesia and transfemoral or transbrachial approach was used. The superficial mesenteric artery (SMA) was catheterized and through the Riolan arch, coiling of the inferior mesenteric artery and/or the sac aneurysm was performed. Results The mean time period between the primary EVAR procedure and the transarterial intervention for the endoleak was 3.9 years. Primary technical success was achieved in 11 (84.6%) patients, while secondary technical success was 12 (92.3%). In the mean follow-up period, which was 2.6 years, the endoleak was treated successfully in 11 (84.6%) patients.  Conclusions Transarterial coil embolization of type II endoleaks is a minimal low-cost procedure, with small percentage of complications, high technical and treatment success rates. It could be considered as a first-line treatment of unresolvable type II endoleaks, minimizing the need for open repair.