American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test 2026 - Free Surgery Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

Type 2 endoleaks are considered the most common subtype of endoleak following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). This type occurs when there is a retrograde flow of blood into the aneurysmal sac through patent branches of vessels that are left intact after the procedure, such as the lumbar arteries or the inferior mesenteric artery. The presence of these branches can provide a continuous source of blood flow, which may not be initially resolved during the deployment of the endograft.

Type 2 endoleaks usually do not pose an immediate threat to the patient and are often monitored unless there is significant enlargement of the aneurysm sac. This characteristic contributes to their frequency, as they are more likely to be observed in patients without significant hemodynamic compromise. Understanding the nature of Type 2 endoleaks is essential for managing patients post-EVAR, as they guide surveillance and treatment decisions more effectively than other, less frequent endoleak types.