Covered Stent Implantation for the Treatment of Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistula and Its Mid-Term Follow-up

Multimodal Management of Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas

BACKGROUND

Techniques for endovascular management of carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) have evolved over the years. Current strategies include transarterial or transvenous approaches and direct puncture or exposure of the cavernous sinus. Rarely, complex CCFs may require multiple approaches or procedures. We describe our experience managing CCFs, reporting on outcomes and technical nuances.

METHODS

A retrospective review of institutional records was conducted to identify consecutive cases of CCF treated between July 2005 and July 2016. Pertinent technical details and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

In 44 patients, 51 procedures were performed. There were 13 direct CCFs and 31 indirect CCFs: 13 (30%) type A, 3 (7%) type B, 5 (11%) type C, and 23 (52%) type D. A transarterial approach was selected in 39% of cases (n = 20), resulting in a long-term successful embolization rate of 60% (n = 12). Transvenous methods via the inferior petrosal sinus or superior ophthalmic vein were used in 49% of cases (n = 25), resulting in a long-term obliteration rate of 88% (n = 22). Multimodal management was required in 5 patients, including 1 patient in whom a craniotomy was performed to facilitate coil embolization of the cavernous sinus under direct vision. A 7% complication rate (n = 3) was observed, with significant morbidity in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

CCFs are complex vascular lesions that require facility with various endovascular and surgical approaches. High-flow, direct-type fistulas may harbor a significant risk of recurrence after transarterial embolization. Partial or unsuccessful embolization may necessitate an open surgical approach to the superior ophthalmic vein or cavernous sinus.

Complete obliteration of a spontaneous pediatric vertebral arteriovenous fistula with patency of the parent vertebral artery: A case report

RATIONALE

Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas (VAVFs) are depicted with anomalous connections between the vertebral artery, or its branches, and the adjacent venous system. Most VAVFs occur as a result of direct trauma during accidents, whereas others have iatrogenic origin.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report a case of 11-year-old male who presented with right limb weakness and walking instability.

DIAGNOSIS

Magnetic resonance angiography as well as digital subtraction angiogram (DSA) of the neck demonstrated a right VAVF. The cervical medulla was compressed by a dilated vein in vertebral canal. The blood supply of the fistula was from the right vertebral artery, whereas drainage was via epidural and paraspinal venous plexus.

INTERVENTIONS

We introduced the TransForm Occlusion Balloon Catheter into right vertebral artery, identified the VAVF, and occluded it with the balloon.

OUTCOMES

We successfully obliterated the VAVF with patency of parent vertebral artery with a balloon. The symptoms of the patient were relieved after the procedure. Two years' follow-up revealed no recurrence of the fistula. The patient is currently well.

LESSONS

Patency of the parent artery following obliteration a VAVF is still a challenge. Obliteration of the VAVF with a balloon while the parent vertebral artery is still patent is very possible.

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.

Successful Coil Embolization of Pediatric Carotid Cavernous Fistula Due to Ruptured Posttraumatic Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

The goal of the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is to occlude the arteriovenous shunt and to preserve the patency of the concerned internal carotid artery. However, for the ipsilateral posttraumatic fragile cerebrum, coil embolization plus parent artery occlusion for the high-flow direct CCF is better for the prevention of hyperperfusion syndrome and intracranial hemorrhage. We experienced such a case and managed it successfully.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 6-year-old boy had severe head trauma caused by being hit by a car. He was transferred to our department and diagnosed as having left acute subdural hematoma and acute brain swelling. Emergent evacuation of hematoma and external decompression were performed. He was treated for severe brain swelling in the intensive care unit for 2 months. Cranioplasty was performed 3 months after the injury. His right hemiparesis and aphasia persisted, so he was transferred to a rehabilitation hospital. However, 2 years after the head injury, he was referred to our department because of abducens nerve palsy. He was diagnosed as having a symptomatic posttraumatic direct CCF, which was caused by a ruptured left cavernous giant internal carotid artery aneurysm. The direct CCF was treated with coil embolization of the giant aneurysm and parent artery occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization of the aneurysm and parent artery occlusion for the posttraumatic direct CCF was a good option to manage the abducens nerve palsy and to prevent postoperative hyperperfusion.

A brief history of carotid-cavernous fistula

Carotid-cavernous fistula was one of the first intracranial vascular lesions to be recognized. This paper focuses on the historical progression of our understanding of the condition and its symptomatology-from the initial hypothesis of ophthalmic artery aneurysm as the cause of pulsating exophthalmos to the recognition and acceptance of fistulas between the carotid arterial system and cavernous sinus as the true etiology. The authors also discuss the advancements in treatment from Benjamin Travers' early common carotid ligation and wooden compression methods to today's endovascular approaches.

Reconstruction of the Internal Carotid Artery After Treatment of Complex Traumatic Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas With the Willis Covered Stent

BACKGROUND:

Endovascular treatment of complex traumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (TDCCFs) is a challenge.

OBJECTIVE:

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.

METHODS:

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.

RESULTS:

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.

CONCLUSION:

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.

Direct carotid cavernous sinus fistulae: vessel reconstruction using flow-diverting implants

Purpose

Retrospective evaluation of our experience with the use of flow diverters (FD) for the endovascular treatment of direct carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae (diCCF).

Methods

Between 2011 and 2015, 14 consecutive patients with 14 diCCF were treated with FD alone or in combination with other implants in a single institution.

Results

A total of 21 sessions were performed in 14 patients. FD placement was technically successful in all cases without an adverse event. Patients were treated with FD alone (n = 5), FD and covered stents (n = 2), FD and coils (n = 7). A total of 59 FD (24 Pipeline Embolization Device, Medtronic; 35 p64 Flow Modulation Device, phenox), 291 coils, and 3 stent grafts were used. Three of 14 diCCF were completely occluded after the 1^st session, a minor residual shunt was found in 7/14, and in the remaining 4/14 patients, the shunt volume was reduced significantly. The mean follow-up period encompassed 20 months. Additional treatment included transvenous coil occlusion (n = 3) and/or further FD deployment (n = 5). An asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion was encountered in 2 patients, related to an interruption of antiaggregation. At the last follow-up, 10/14 patients were free from ocular symptoms (71 %), 2 had residual exophthalmos, and no patient had clinical deterioration.

Conclusion

The usage of FD for the treatment of diCCF is straightforward. Injury of the cranial nerves can be avoided. In most cases, ocular symptoms improve. Several FD layers and/or an adjunctive venous coil occlusion are required. Complete occlusion of a diCCF may take weeks or months and long-term antiaggregation is required. In the future, a flexible stent graft might be a better solution.

Republished: Vertebral–venous fistula: an unusual cause for ocular symptoms mimicking a carotid cavernous fistula

Vertebral–venous fistulas (VVF), or vertebral–vertebral arteriovenous fistulas, are an uncommon clinical entity. Typically, they present as a result of a direct vascular connection between an extracranial branch of the vertebral artery or its radicular components and the epidural venous plexus. These may manifest with signs and symptoms referable to cervical myelopathy secondary to compression or steal phenomenon. To our knowledge, this is the first case to identify a patient who presented with classic ocular symptoms attributable to a carotid cavernous fistula but secondary to a VVF. We present its treatment and clinical outcome. In addition, we present a brief literature review surrounding this uncommon disease.

Vertebral-venous fistula: an unusual cause for ocular symptoms mimicking a carotid cavernous fistula

Vertebral-venous fistulas (VVF), or vertebral-vertebral arteriovenous fistulas, are an uncommon clinical entity. Typically, they present as a result of a direct vascular connection between an extracranial branch of the vertebral artery or its radicular components and the epidural venous plexus. These may manifest with signs and symptoms referable to cervical myelopathy secondary to compression or steal phenomenon. To our knowledge, this is the first case to identify a patient who presented with classic ocular symptoms attributable to a carotid cavernous fistula but secondary to a VVF. We present its treatment and clinical outcome. In addition, we present a brief literature review surrounding this uncommon disease.

Endovascular occlusion of dural cavernous fistulas through a superior ophthalmic vein approach

Dural cavernous fistulas are low-flow vascular malformations with usually benign clinical course and a high rate of spontaneous resolution. Cases with symptom progression must be treated with an endovascular approach by arterial or venous route. We report 30 patients with dural cavernous fistulas treated by coil embolization using surgical exposure and retrograde catheterization of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). The procedure resulted in closure of the fistula without other endovascular treatments in all 30 patients and clinical remission or improvement in 20 and eight patients, respectively. Embolization via a SOV approach is a safe and easy endovascular procedure, particularly indicated for dural cavernous fistulas with exclusive or prevalent internal carotid artery feeders and anterior venous drainage.

Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms using the hydrocoil embolic system

HydroCoils are platinum helical coils coated with a layer of hydrophilic acrylic polymer (hydrogel), which on contact with blood causes disentanglement of polymer chains and expansion. We retrospectively reviewed a series of 29 patients harboring 29 cerebral aneurysms treated with the Hydrocoil Embolic System in the period 2004-2005, discussing the results of endovascular procedures in terms of safety and efficacy. The immediate post-procedure angiographic control demonstrated complete aneurysm occlusion in 21 cases (72.4%), near-complete occlusion in seven cases (24.1%), whereas in one case (3.4%) there was a procedure failure with major perfusion of the sac. Five patients (17.2%) experienced thromboembolic complications, including an asymptomatic lacunar stroke of the head of the caudate nucleus, a thalamic infarct following hypotension secondary to pulmonary edema, temporal ischemia secondary to vasospasm and a small right occipital ischemic lesion. Only one patient (3.4%) suffered a major ischemic accident. No other procedure-related complication occurred. Three-month follow-up control with MR angiography and 12-month follow-up angiography demonstrated no recurrence of aneurysms. Overall, after a mean follow-up of 12 months, the clinical outcome was good recovery in 26 patients (89.6%), moderate disability in three patients (10.3%) and no vegetative status or death. Our HydroCoil series supports the safety and midterm durability of hydrogel-coated aneurysm coils in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms.

Endovascular treatment of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula. A report of three cases and literature review

This report describes endovascular approaches for occlusion of vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula (VV-AVF) in a series of three cases and a review of the literature. Complete neuroimaging assessment, including CT, MR and DSA was performed in three patients (two female, one male) with VV-AVF. Based on DSA findings, the VV-AVF were occluded by endovascular positioning of detachable balloons (case 1), coils (case 2), or a combination of both (case 3) with parent artery patency in two out of three cases. In this small series, endovascular techniques for occlusion of VV-AVF were safe and effective methods of treatment. To date, there are no guidelines on the best treatment for VV-AVF. Detachable balloons, endovascular coiling, combined embolization procedures could all be considered well-tolerated treatments.