Three-Dimensional Printing Application in a Challenging Case of Type II Endoleak

Abstract

Purpose: To highlight the importance of 3-dimensional (3D) arterial printing in a case of type II endoleak (EL) embolization. Case Report: An 81-year-old patient, previously treated with endovascular aortic repair (EVAR), developed a type II EL requiring treatment. The EL’s main origin was the median sacral artery (MSA). Initial attempts in embolization via a transsealing and transarterial approach were unsuccessful owing to extremely tortuous arterial communications between the left hypogastric artery and the MSA. The construction of a clear resin 3D model of the aorta and iliolumbar arteries improved anatomy understanding and moreover allowed a preoperative simulation. The subsequent transarterial attempt in embolization was resolutive, significantly reducing total procedural time and radiation dose. Conclusion: Printing of clear resin 3D arterial models facilitates type II EL transarterial embolization, improving anatomy understanding and allowing simple fluoroscopy-free simulations. Clinical Impact The aim of our work is to highlight the additional value of three-dimensional (3D) printing during preoperative planning of challenging endovascular cases. To our best knowledge, this is the first report about 3D printing use in a case of type II endoleak (EL). We believe that realizing life-size aortic models in selected cases where a complex type II EL embolization procedure is indicated, could lead to a better understanding of arterial anatomy, thus allowing to increase procedural success and reduce operative and most importantly fluoroscopy time.