Type III endoleak

Last revised by Andrew Murphy on 14 Nov 2018

A type III endoleak is a type of endoleak which usually occurs through a defect in the graft. It may be divided into two components. 

  • IIIa: junctional separation of the modular components
  • IIIb: fractures or holes involving the endograft

Epidemiology

It is relatively uncommon and only occurs around 2% after an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) 1. There may be a higher incidence in first- and second-generation endografts. Type III endoleaks may occur early or late after the initial EVAR.

Pathology

In most cases, the underlying mechanism is disconnection of the stent graft components.

Complications

Component separation can repressurise the aortic sac and may result in aortic rupture 3

 

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