Carotid-cavernous fistula. Intravascular treatment with a self-sealing detachable balloon.
Five traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas were treated using a new self-sealing, detachable, silicone-rubber balloon, as part of a balloon-catheter system, and a modified technique for positioning the balloon. The fistulas were occluded successfully in four patients; in a fifth patient, a small fistula persisted. In each instance, the internal carotid artery flow was preserved. The flexible balloon-catheter system can be guided via the blood flow and still not require a coaxial catheter for detachment. Moreover, the flexibility of the balloon and catheter resulted in easy positioning through a tortuous internal carotid artery.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000628:therapy*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D002426:Cavernous Sinus; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012826:Silicone Elastomers
D012826:Silicone Elastomers