Endoleaks and Endotension: Current Consensus on Their Nature and Significance PDF

Preface

Like other new endoluminal treatments, endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has generated a great deal of interest - and, along with it, considerable controversy. Some of this controversy surrounds the complications of EVAR and what to do about them. Resolving these contentious issues is becoming more important because as the endografts remain in place for longer periods of time, the incidence of problems is increasing.

Clearly, the most common problems developing after EVAR are the occurrence of endoleaks (blood flow outside the graft) and endotension (increased pressure within the aneurysm sac). Although all will agree that these entities have a complex etiology, there is much disagreement about how best to diagnose and manage them when they occur.

We conceived of the William J. von Liebig Consensus Conferences in 1999 as a way to clear confusion, resolve disagreement, and/or provide an overview of the state of knowledge and opinion regarding an unclear or controversial topic in an emerging endovascular treatment modality. Certainly the nature and significance of endoleaks and endotension are ideal topics to address through such a consensus process. These problems, and what to do for the patients who have them, present an increasing challenge to those involved in EVAR. Moreover, we need to do a better job of preventing them.

In late 2000, 27 experienced experts with a profound interest in endoleaks and endotension came together to focus on these topics. This book represents a distillate of their consensus process and its conclusions. It also includes chapters by these experts. Each chapter presents relevant data and individual perspectives and opinions.

Although answers to all questions regarding endoleaks and endotension may not be known, this volume summarizes the current state of knowledge and opinion regarding these problems. It will serve as a guide to management and a starting point for those interested in advancing knowledge about endoleaks and endotension and what to do to prevent and treat them more effectively.