Detachable balloon embolization as the preferred treatment option for traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula?

Objective The purpose of the study was to investigate the treatments and outcomes of patients with traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistula (TCCF). Methods All patients diagnosed with TCCF at our institution from January 2013 to December 2018 and meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the study. Results A total of 24 patients were included in this study. Of them, 21 (87.5%) were treated with detachable balloon embolization, 1 (4%) with coil embolization, 1 (4%) with balloon-assisted coil embolization, and 1 (4%) with balloon-assisted coil and glue embolization. Among the 21 patients treated with detachable balloon embolization, 10 underwent double-balloon technique embolization including double-detachable balloon embolization (n = 6) and balloon-assisted detachable balloon embolization (n = 4). The fistulas in 17 patients (17/21, 81%) were successfully occluded after the first attempt of detachable balloon embolization, while those in the remaining 4 patients were occluded after a second surgery due to TCCF recurrence or pseudoaneurysm development. Preservation of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was observed in 19 cases after the first treatment by detachable balloon embolization (19/21, 90.4%). ICA was occluded in the remaining two patients, as revealed by a complete angiographic evaluation of the circle of Willis. All patients achieved complete resolution of ocular and orbital manifestations as well as pulsatile bruit, except for three patients whose oculomotorius and/or abducens remained paralyzed during the follow-up period. Conclusion Although several endovascular treatment options are available for TCCF, the detachable balloon embolization is still the preferred method of TCCF, as evidenced in our study. Furthermore, double balloon technique, an improvement upon the conventional detachable balloon embolization, is extremely safe and can effectively treat patients with refractory TCCF.

Endovascular Occlusion of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula by Using Detachable Balloon in Various Ways: A Case Series

Introduction The detachable balloons are not frequently used nowadays for endovascular occlusion of carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) because of lack of availability and supposed high risk of recurrence. This study describes the various way of detachable balloon embolization for traumatic CCF. Materials and Methods We have used endovascular detachable balloon to occlude the traumatic CCF under local anesthesia in various ways in 12 traumatic cases of CCF from March 2013 to April 2015. Clinical and computed tomographic (CT) angiography follow-up was done at 6 and 12 months. Results Clinical follow-up from 6 to 12 month showed persistent resolution of symptoms in 10 cases; 2 cases had developed slight proptosis and chemosis. CT angiography done in nine cases after 6 to 9 months showed no residual filling in CCF. Conclusion The detachable balloon either single or double with or without coils can be used in the management of CCF by different methods. Detachable balloon is a cheaper alternative compared with coiling. It is technically easier to perform and can be performed under local anesthesia.

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, and clinical, treatment, and follow-up data were analyzed for possible risk factors for recurrence after embolization.ResultsAmong 188 patients, 182 (96.8%) had successful balloon embolization; 6 patients failed. One balloon was used in 94 cases and multiple (two or more) balloons were used in 62 patients. 26 patients had occlusion of the parent artery whereas the remainder had parent artery preservation. Periprocedural complications occurred in 3 patients (1.6%) including cerebral embolism in 1 and abducent nerve paralysis in the other 2. Immediately following embolization, headache appeared in 92 patients and was relieved after 3–5 days with medications. A total of 165 patients (87.8%) had follow-up (6 months to 16 years, mean 5 years). 23 (13.9%) patients with internal carotid artery preservation had recurrence 1–33 days (mean 11 days) after the first embolization and were retreated to complete occlusion. Factors affecting recurrence were multiple balloons and residual fistula (p<0.05). Logistic regression confirmed the independent factors affecting recurrence were multiple balloons (≥2 balloons, OR 7.80, 95% CI 2.28 to 26.73; p=0.001) and residual fistula immediately following embolization (OR 10.46, 95% CI 2.99 to 36.5; p=0.000).ConclusionThe recurrence rate is high in the first month after embolization with detachable balloons, and multiple balloons and residual fistula are two independent factors affecting recurrence following balloon embolization.

Balloon Entrapment: An Unusual Complication of Detachable Balloon Embolization of Traumatic Caroticocavernous Fistula

Traumatic caroticocavernous fistula was attempted to embolize using detachable balloons. Though the fistula could be occluded, unexpected complication was observed during the detachment of the balloon, and the fistula was later tackled using coils and liquid embolic agent. Failure analysis revealed an interesting correlation between the anatomy of sac and the course of the balloon mounted microcatheter.