How are Type II endoleaks treated if they are not causing aneurysm increase?

Type II endoleaks occur when blood flow from a branch vessel, such as the lumbar artery or inferior mesenteric artery, enters the aneurysm sac after an endovascular repair. These endoleaks are often considered benign, especially when they are not associated with a significant increase in the size of the aneurysm.

When Type II endoleaks do not lead to aneurysm expansion, they typically do not require aggressive treatment. Instead, careful monitoring is often sufficient. This contrasts sharply with other types of endoleaks that can compromise the integrity of the repair or lead to aneurysm growth, which would necessitate intervention.

In cases of Type II endoleaks without significant complications, clinicians often employ imaging surveillance to ensure that the endoleak remains stable and does not evolve to a condition requiring treatment. Therefore, the common management strategy is simply observation unless there is evidence of aneurysm growth or other complications. This underscores the importance of distinguishing between the types of endoleaks and understanding their potential impacts on the patient’s condition.