What is a common characteristic of Type 1 endoleaks?

Type 1 endoleaks are characterized by their immediate and direct association with the placement of an endovascular graft. They occur when there is a failure to completely seal the aneurysm due to the connection with the aorta or its branches at the points of attachment. Because of this nature, they are often identified during the procedure itself or in early follow-up imaging, as the graft may not have achieved complete apposition to the vessel wall.

The reason for this identification during early imaging is due to the continuous flow of blood into the aneurysm sac, which can be readily detected using Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography shortly after the graft is placed. Monitoring in these early stages is crucial, because if left unaddressed, Type 1 endoleaks can lead to serious complications, such as graft failure or rupture.

In contrast, other types of endoleaks, such as Type 2, are more typically associated with collateral circulation and can develop later, often requiring longer-term follow-up for detection. This distinction highlights the urgency and critical nature of recognizing Type 1 endoleaks soon after the intervention.