Long-term outcomes of embolization of type II endoleaks

Background: Type II endoleaks are common after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair. The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of embolization of type II endoleaks using different techniques and materials. Methods: Between 2003 and 2015, 31 patients underwent embolization of type II endoleaks, in a total of 41 procedures. Patients underwent transarterial or translumbar embolization using Onyx®18, Onyx®34, coils, Amplatzer® plug and/or thrombin. Embolization success was defined as no endoleak reintervention. The chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Median embolization time after aortic aneurysm repair was 14 months. Fifteen (36%) embolization interventions were performed using Onyx®18; seven (17%) with coils and Onyx®34; six (14%) with Onyx®34; four (10%) with coils and Onyx® 18; four with Onyx®18 and Onyx®34; three (7%) with coils and thrombin; one (2%) with coils; and one (2%) with an Amplatzer® device. Eleven patients (35%) required reintervention. The embolization success rate was 71.43% (10) for patients with lumbar arteries as the source of the endoleak, 80% (8) for the inferior mesenteric artery and 40% (2) when both inferior mesenteric artery and lumbar arteries were the culprit vessels (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference with regards to type of embolization, embolic material or type of previous aortic repair. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of type II endoleaks is challenging and reintervention is needed in up to 36% of patients. Endoleaks supplied by both the inferior mesenteric artery and the lumbar arteries have a lower rate of success.