Inferior vena cava traversal for translumbar endoleak embolization after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

When embolization of a collateral (type II) endoleak after endovascular repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is indicated, endoleak embolization with a translumbar approach is often the procedure of choice. Because of the position of the endoleak, it is sometimes necessary to use a right-sided translumbar approach and traverse the inferior vena cava when accessing the endoleak. Twelve type II endoleaks in nine patients were treated with transcaval translumbar embolization during a 34-month period. No clinically significant hemorrhage occurred. Embolizing type II endoleaks with a right translumbar approach is feasible. Long-term follow-up with more patients is necessary to fully evaluate the durability of this procedure.