Traumatic Direct Carotid-cavernous Fistula Research Articles

Treatment of Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula with a BeGraft-Covered Stent.

The widely accepted option for treating traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula (dCCF) has been endovascular treatment using detachable balloons, coils, or embolic agents. Covered stent deployment has been applied by a few operators and has shown promising results. This is a retrospective study on patients with dCCF treated by an endovascular approach using BeGraft, a covered stent. In 4 cases, this device was successfully deployed without any complications. Immediate complete occlusion was achieved in 3 patients (75%) after deployment of the covered stents. One patient required transvenous coiling for occlusion of the remaining endoleak. Follow-up imaging demonstrated 100% fistula occlusion with complete internal carotid artery patency. No early or late complications occurred following treatment. In conclusion, the BeGraft-covered stent could be a promising safe and effective alternative option for the endovascular treatment of dCCF.

Treatment of Traumatic Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula With a PK Papyrus Covered Stent: A Report of 2 Cases

Background Traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas results in a direct communication between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. Covered stents are not frequently used in neuro‐endovascular procedures due to concerns primarily about occlusion of perforating vessels. There are however several factors in direct carotid cavernous fistulas that make it more amenable to covered stenting than other diseases treated endovascularly. Methods Wepresent 2 cases of occlusion of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas utilizing the PK Papyrus stent. Results In our first case, this device was successfully used as a salvage technique afterfailure of conventional techniques and in the second case it was used as primary treatment. Conclusion The properties of the PK Papyrus covered stent are promising in overcoming the difficulties of other covered stents and warrants further investigation.

Target Coil Embolization Using the Combined Transarterial and Transvenous Balloon-assisted Technique for Traumatic Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula

Herein, we describe a case of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula (DCCF) treated with target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who had been involved in a vehicular accident. She was admitted to the hospital due to chemosis and exophthalmos. Cerebral angiography revealed a shunt from the internal carotid artery (ICA) to the cavernous sinus (CS), which indicated DCCF. Thus, target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique was performed. Angiography was performed 1 week after surgery to confirm the disappearance of DCCF. No recurrence was observed during the 1-year follow-up after treatment. Thus, target coil embolization using the combined transarterial and transvenous balloon-assisted technique is safe and effective for the treatment of traumatic DCCF.

Angiographic change on time interval in traumatic-direct carotid cavernous fistula without venous reflux, and treatment with LVIS stent alone

Abstract Traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is usually high flow, direct type and typically manifested by venous hypertension and reflux, therefore it can lead to various neurologic deficit as well as severe ophthalmic symptoms including exophthalmos, congestion and visual disturbance. On the contrary, in traumatic-direct CCF without high flow that causes venous hypertension and/or reflux, the natural clinical course is obscure, and the diagnosis may be difficult. The treatment has not been well documented in detail. We are reporting on sequential angiographic change on time interval in traumatic-direct CCF without venous hypertension and/or reflux, and experience of treatment using LVIS stent.

Recurrence risk factors in detachable balloon embolization of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas in 188 patients

PurposeTo investigate the effects of detachable balloons in embolizing traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (TCCFs) and the risk factors for recurrence after balloon embolization.Materials and methods188 patients with TCCFs were enrolled,...

Endovascular targeted coil embolization using dual vessel approach for traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula following severe head trauma: technical notes

Direct carotid cavernous fistulas (dCCFs) represent different entitles from sponta-neous cavernous sinus (CS) dural arte-riovenous fistulas (CSAVFs). Traumatic dCCFs are direct arteriovenous communi-cations between the internal carotid artery (ICA) and cavernous sinus, resulting from a traumatic tear of the horizontal or pos-terior ascending intracavernous segment of the ICA by skull fracture fragments. They are account for 0.2–0.3% of crani-ofacial trauma and a serious problem that results in neuro-ophthalmologic symp-toms. Intracerebral hemorrhage followed by cortical venous reflux is a most serious complication. Although embolization of dCCFs with detachable balloons was pre-viously accepted worldwide as the first-line therapeutic option because it is tech-nically simple, these devices are currently unavailable and other treatment options have included coil embolization of the fis-tula to preserve the internal carotid artery. Therefore, sinus packing by coil emboliza-tion is now a first-line therapy, but there is the disadvantage of neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms by nerve palsy occurred in CS. In this study, we treated two patients with dCCFs caused by severe head trauma who underwent dual vessel approach to en-dovascular targeted coil embolization and successful resolution. We concluded that dual vessel approach to endovascular tar-geted coil embolization is an effective and safety technique among patients with trau-matic dCCFs.

Reconstruction of the Internal Carotid Artery After Treatment of Complex Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas With the Willis Covered Stent: A Retrospective Study With Long-Term Follow-up.

Endovascular treatment of complex traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (TDCCFs) is a challenge. To evaluate the long-term efficacy of the Willis covered stent in endovascular treatment of complex TDCCFs, focusing on reconstruction and preservation of the internal carotid artery. During the past 8 years, 25 patients with 27 TDCCFs who previously had unsuccessful treatment of fistulas with detachable balloons received endovascular treatment with Willis covered stents. The efficacy, complications, in-stent stenosis, angiographic, and clinical follow-up results were evaluated retrospectively between 6 and 88 months (mean, 43.8 months) after the stent placement. The technical success rate of stenting placement was 100%. Forty-four Willis covered stents were implanted into the target artery of 27 TDCCFs. Complete exclusion was achieved in 16 patients with 17 TDCCFs immediately after the stent placement, with transient endoleaks in 10 TDCCFs. Redilation was performed in 6 TDCCFs, and additional stents were implanted in the other 4 TDCCFs for endoleak exclusion. The initial angiographic results showed complete exclusion of fistulas with preservation of the internal carotid artery in 24 patients with 26 TDCCFs. One patient in whom complete occlusion initially was achieved subsequently experienced a delayed endoleak, which required placement of an additional stent. The angiographic follow-up results (mean, 30.3 months) demonstrated complete exclusion in all 27 TDCCFs, with patency of internal carotid artery in 23 patients. The clinical follow-up demonstrated a full recovery in 23 patients and improvement in 2 patients. The use of Willis covered stents was confirmed to be effective, safe, and a curative approach for endovascular treatment of complex TDCCFs and internal carotid artery reconstruction. DB, detachable balloonEVT, endovascular treatmentICA, internal carotid arteryn-BCA, N-butyl cyanoacrylateTDCCF, traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula.

Single intravitreal ranibizumab injection for optic disc neovascularisation due to possibly traumatic, direct carotid cavernous fistula

We report a patient with optic disc neovasculariation due to possibly traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula treated by a single dose of intravitreal ranibizumab prior to neurointervention. A 25‐year‐old man had a 10‐month history of bilateral proptosis and left sixth nerve paralysis was evaluated. Conjunctival vessels were markedly dilated, especially in the left eye. Clinical examination and fundus fluorescein angiography revealed disc neovascularisation in the left eye with subtle peripheral retinal ischaemia. Magnetic resonance imaging suggested a high‐flow carotid cavernous fistula on the left side and this was confirmed by catheter angiography. A single dose of intravitreal ranibizumab was injected prior to neuro‐intervention. The disc neovascularisation regressed completely three days later. The left direct carotid cavernous fistula was later treated successfully with coil embolisation. Optic disc neovascularisation is a very rare feature of carotid cavernous fistula and intravitreal ranibizumab may be a useful therapeutic adjunct prior to neuro‐interventional techniques to reduce neovascularisation‐induced haemorrhage following the intervention.

Direct traumatic carotid cavernous fistula: angiographic classification and treatment strategies. Study of 172 cases.

We report our experience in treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) via endovascular intervention. We hereof recommend an additional classification system for type A CCF and suggest respective treatment strategies. Only type A CCF patients (Barrow's classification) would be recruited for the study. Based on the angiographic characteristics of the CCF, we classified type A CCF into three subtypes including small size, medium size and large size fistula depending on whether there was presence of the anterior carotid artery (ACA) and/or middle carotid artery (MCA). Angiograms with opacification of both ACA and MCA were categorized as small size fistula. Angiograms with opacification of either ACA or MCA were categorized as medium size fistula and those without opacification of neither ACA nor MCA were classified as large size fiatula. After the confirm angiogram, endovascular embolization would be performed impromptu using detachable balloon, coils or both. All cases were followed up for complication and effect after the embolization. A total of 172 direct traumatic CCF patients were enrolled. The small size fistula was accountant for 12.8% (22 cases), medium size 35.5% (61 cases) and large size fistula accountant for 51.7% (89 cases). The successful rate of fistula occlusion under endovascular embolization was 94% with preservation of the carotid artery in 70%. For the treatment of each subtype, a total of 21/22 cases of the small size fistulas were successfully treated using coils alone. The other single case of small fistula was defaulted. Most of the medium and large size fistulas were cured using detachable balloons. When the fistula sealing could not be obtained using detachable balloon, coils were added to affirm the embolization of the cavernous sinus via venous access. There were about 2.9% of patient experienced direct carotid artery puncture and 0.6% puncture after carotid artery cut-down exposure. About 30% of cases experienced sacrifice of the parent vessels and it was associated with sizes of the fistula. Total severe complication was about 2.4% which included 1 death (0.6%) due to vagal shock; 1 transient hemiparesis post-sacrifice occlusion of the carotid artery but the patient had recovered after 3 months; 1 acute thrombus embolism and the patient was completely saved with recombinant tissue plaminogen activator (rTPA); 1 balloon dislodgement then got stuck at the anterior communicating artery but the patient was asymptomatic. Endovascular intervention as the treatment of direct traumatic CCF had high cure rate and low complication with its ability to preserve the carotid artery. It also can supply flexible accesses to the fistulous site with various alternative embolic materials. The new classification of type A CCF based on angiographic features was helpful for planning for the embolization. Coil should be considered as the first embolic material for small size fistula meanwhile detachable balloons was suggested as the first-choice embolic agent for the medium and large size fistula.

Balloon-Assisted Coiling of the Cavernous Sinus to Treat Direct Carotid Cavernous Fistula

This study evaluated clinical and neuroradiological results in 13 consecutive patients with spontaneous and traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas treated at our center between January 2006 and September 2012. All patients were treated by coiling of the cavernous sinus. Coiling was always performed while a semi-compliant non-detachable balloon was temporarily inflated in the internal carotid artery. This technique (balloon-assisted coiling) permitted a clear visualization of the fistula, facilitated coil positioning and protected the patency of the artery. All patients' clinical data and radiological examinations were reviewed; nine patients underwent radiological and clinical follow-up, with a mean duration of 3.8 years (range: six months-six years). Overall results at discharge showed a complete occlusion of the fistula in seven patients (7/13, 54%) and a resolution of symptoms in eight patients (8/12, 67%). Radiological follow-up showed complete occlusion of the fistula in all patients (9/9, 100%) and clinical follow-up showed a resolution of symptoms in eight patients (8/9, 89%) and persistent symptoms in one (1/9, 11%). No procedure-related complications occurred. Balloon-assisted coiling of the cavernous sinus for the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistulas proved an effective and safe technique, both in angiographic and clinical terms, and may be considered a technical improvement.

Unusual Case of Recurrent Carotid-Cavernous Fistula after 47 Years, Treated with Direct Clip Ligation of the Petrous Internal Carotid Artery

Introduction: Carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) between the carotid artery or its branches and the adjacent cavernous sinus. The purpose of this report is to present a case of recurrent indirect CCF presenting 47 years after previous operative trapping of the ICA for traumatic direct CCF, the longest reported recurrence to date. Methods: A spontaneous recurrence of indirect carotid-cavernous fistula presented 47 years following initial surgical trapping of the internal carotid artery for traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula. Results: The patient was successfully treated with an orbitozygomatic extended middle cranial fossa approach for direct petrous internal carotid artery clip ligation after failure of percutaneous embolization techniques. Conclusions: CCFs can be difficult entities to treat, requiring extensive knowledge and experience with both potential endovascular and surgical options. In addition, recurrences are not uncommon and may present remotely from initial treatment and with different anatomical configurations. This also represents, to our knowledge, the first case reported that required direct petrous carotid ligation to treat the fistula after all endovascular and standard approaches were attempted or not plausible. Clinicians must be aware of these possibilities and ensure close follow-up to guarantee long-term occlusion.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas with n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate

Objective To explore the method and safety of endovascular treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas with n - Butyl - 2 - Cyanoacrylate. Method A total of 11 patients with traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas treated by endovascular embolization with n - Butyl -2 - Cyanoacrylate( n - BCA ) were retrospectively analyzed, including the clinical presentations, methods of treatment and results of follow - up. Results In the 11 patients treated with n - BCA embolization, 3 with recurrent fistula because of premature balloon deflation or migration,4 with residual fistula after the balloons or microcoils detached, 3 unable to guide balloon into the small fistulous orifice and 1 repeated puncture of the detachable balloon by the bony fragment. The concentration of n - BCA ranged from 25% to 50%,protective balloon was used in 4 cases and there was no adhesion fo the n - BCA to the protective balloon or the microcatheter or n - BCA reflux into the parent arteries. Complete angiographic obliteration was documented in all patients right after the embolization. There was no permanent procedure - related morbidity. Clinical cure was achieved in all case and the clinical follow - up period ranged from 3 months to 5 years, all the patients restored to their normal life. Conclusions Endovascular embolization with n - BCA is a safe,efficient method for the treatment of traumatic direct carotid cavernous fistulas when angiographic cure and parent artery preservation are not achieved by detachable balloon embolization. Key words: Embolization; Carotid cavernous fistulas; Glue; Trauma

Treatment of a Traumatic Carotid-Cavernous Fistula with a Covered Stent: Some Considerations

This article discusses some considerations concerning covered stent placement in a patient with a traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula. Our case supports recent reports in the literature that covered stent placement can be an acceptable alternative when detachable balloon occlusion or coil occlusion of a direct carotid-cavernous fistula fails or cannot be done. Positioning of a covered stent in the internal carotid artery can be technically challenging. No specific covered stents for neurovascular use have been designed or registered. Because of limited experience with covered stent placement in the carotid artery the optimal preventive and therapeutic strategies for thromboembolic complications are not known.

Usefulness of Intravascular Ultrasonography Monitoring of Coil Embolization for Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula -Case Report-

A 61-year-old woman was admitted for head injury after a traffic accident. Two months later, she developed abducens nerve palsy, chemosis, and pulsatile tinnitus. Right internal carotid angiography demonstrated a high flow direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) at the C(5) portion with reflux into the superficial and deep sylvian veins, superior ophthalmic vein, superior petrosal sinus, and inferior petrosal sinus. Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) revealed a large fistula at the C(5) portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Coil embolization via transarterial and transvenous approaches under IVUS monitoring was performed. During the procedure, IVUS accurately detected protrusion of a coil into the parent ICA, and the parent artery could be preserved. IVUS monitoring is useful for embolization of direct CCF with coils.

Posttraumatic Intradural Internal Carotid Artery-Cavernous Sinus Fistula Associated with Ipsilateral Carotid Dissection

We describe a relatively unusual case of traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula in association with a giant intradural venous pouch and ipsilateral carotid dissection, related to carotid artery fistula located in the supraclinoid segment just below the origin of posterior communicating artery. Endovascular therapy could be accomplished by use of detachable coils transarterially. Awareness of an unusual intradural origin of a carotid-cavernous sinus fistula and the possibility of an embolization should be kept in mind.