ABSTRACT
Endoleaks are a major unsolved problem when aortoiliac aneurysms are repaired by endovascular grafts. Yet the nature and significance of these endoleaks in individual patients remain unclear. Moreover, the definition and consequences of endotension and the exact relationship between endotension and endoleaks continue to be controversial. The present consensus process was designed to clarify the nature and significance of these endoleaks and endotension, to elucidate the relationship between these two complications, and to provide an overview of current knowledge and opinion regarding these two vexing problems that impact on the rapidly advancing field of EVAR. It is recognized that many of the consensus opinions expressed by this process will change as new knowledge accumulates. As one participant (Wolf Stelter) commented, “Truth in science cannot be found by voting for it.” Nevertheless, it is likely that the conclusions of this consensus process will provide useful information on the incidence of endoleaks and methods to diagnose and treat them. These conclusions should also be helpful to others in the management of specific patient problems and in pointing the way toward investigations designed to advance knowledge and to clarify uncertainties.
