Karch et al developed an algorithm for the diagnosis and management of endoleaks from an endoluminal graft for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The authors are from the Southern Illinois University in Springfield, Illinois.
Schedule for CT scans if no leaks are evident:
(1) 1 month after surgery
(2) at 6 months after surgery
(3) at 12 months after surgery
(4) yearly thereafter
If a leak is detected on the CT scan, then a repeat scan is done at 3 months after surgery.
• If no leak is detected, then the person follows the "no leak" CT protocol.
• If a leak is detected, then angiography is performed.
Angiographic Finding
Management
endoleak Type I, III or IV
endovascular or surgical repair
endoleak Type II
observe the patient with a CT scan every 6 months; if the aneurysm expands, perform endovascular or surgical repair
no leak
follows the "no leaks" CT protocol
After repair, the patient undergoes the "no leaks" CT protocol.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
