American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

A Type 1 endoleak is characterized by the presence of blood flow outside the stent graft but within the aneurysm sac. Specifically, it occurs when there is a leak from the end of the stent graft, which can happen due to inadequate sealing at the graft's attachment sites. This type of endoleak is clinically significant as it can compromise the effectiveness of the endovascular repair and may lead to aneurysm expansion or rupture. The mechanisms leading to a Type 1 endoleak can include improper placement of the stent graft, anatomical factors causing a poor fit, or changes in the aortic wall. Addressing this type of endoleak often requires additional intervention to correct the issue, ensuring that the graft provides a secure seal to prevent further complications. In contrast, other options do not define a Type 1 endoleak. A fracture in the stent or disengagement of stents, for instance, represents a different technical failure related to mechanical stability but not necessarily a leak. Expansion of the aneurysm without a leak describes a potential scenario of surveillance follow-up instead of an endoleak. Finally, ooziness and porosity of the stent are more indicative of material failure rather than a specific classification