Transcaval embolization as an alternative technique for the treatment of type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to highlight our experience with transcaval embolization (TCE) for the management of type II endoleaks (T2Es) as well as to provide a technical description of how to improve procedural safety and success. All patients underwent transfemoral venous access with transcaval puncture into the excluded aneurysm sac with coil placement and selective thrombin injection. Six patients (100% male; mean age [standard deviation] 72.7 [10.8] years) underwent TCE. Technical success was 100% with no postoperative complications. At median follow-up of 8.1 months (range, 2-22 months), two patients had persistent T2Es, with one requiring repeat TCE and the other having cessation of aneurysm growth. The TCE provides a practical alternative to transarterial or translumbar access for the management of T2E, with high degrees of technical and clinical success in this small case series. Larger patient numbers and longer-term follow-up are needed to define procedural efficacy and durability.