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

What type of stent graft issue is characterized by ooziness and porosity?

1. Type 1 endoleak

2. Type 2 endoleak

3. Type 4 endoleak

4. Type 3 endoleak

The correct answer is: Type 4 endoleak

The characterization of ooziness and porosity in stent graft issues is associated with Type 4 endoleaks. This type of endoleak occurs due to inherent material characteristics of the stent graft, primarily involving the porous nature of the graft material itself. Type 4 endoleaks are often seen with certain types of endovascular grafts that are made from materials that allow blood to seep through the fabric, leading to a slow exudation of blood. This occurs not due to a defect in the seal or connection points, but rather because the graft material itself has small pores or holes that permit blood to pass through. Understanding the different types of endoleaks is crucial for diagnosis and management. Type 1 endoleaks are related to inadequate seals at the anastomoses, Type 2 endoleaks involve collateral circulation feeding back into the aneurysm sac, and Type 3 endoleaks are due to defects or junction failures between graft components. Each of these has distinct features and clinical implications separate from the specific issue presented in Type 4 endoleaks.