Treatment of types II-IV endoleaks by injecting biocompatible elastomer (PDMS) in the aneurysm sac: an in vitro study.

PurposeTo investigate if an elastomer [polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)] can be used to effectively treat endoleaks after endovascular aneurysm repair.MethodsA latex aneurysm (36-mm inner diameter sac, 15-mm inner diameter neck) was attached to an in vitro circulation model. The aneurysm was excluded from the circulation by placing an unstented polyester graft. Endoleak types II–IV were created using different setups. While the circulation setup running, the aneurysm was filled with contrast medium and then the biocompatible PDMS elastomer was injected to exclude the endoleaks and the perigraft area. The sac was considered full when all contrast was pushed out of the sac and the elastomer flowed into the proximal efferent lumbar artery. Treatment was successful when the aneurysm was free of endoleak after control angiography.ResultsThe endoleaks were created successfully in the latex aneurysm models, with contrast present in the sac before “treatment.” After elastomer sac filling, all endoleaks were successful...