Placement of covered stents for the treatment of direct carotid cavernous fistulas

Endovascular management of intracranial carotid blowout syndrome in patients with head and neck cancer

BACKGROUND

Carotid blowout syndrome is a serious complication of head and neck cancer (HNC) that may involve the intracranial or extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA). Although parent artery occlusion (PAO) is the major endovascular treatment for intracranial carotid blowout syndrome (iCBS), the efficacy of using a balloon-expandable coronary stent-graft (BES) remains unclear.

METHODS

This was a quasi-randomized trial, prospective study that included patients with iCBS treated by BES or PAO between 2018 and 2024. Patients were allocated to either group based on the last digit of their chart number; even numbers went to the BES group and odd numbers to the PAO group. The inclusion criteria of iCBS included the pathological process of CBS involving petrous and/or cavernous ICA detected by both imaging and clinical features. The primary outcome was defined as rebleeding events after intervention. The secondary outcome was defined as neurological complication after intervention.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients with 61 iCBS lesions were enrolled. Thirty-three iCBS lesions were treated with BES and 28 underwent PAO. The results for the BES group versus the PAO group, respectively, were: rebleeding events, 5/33 (15.1%) vs 5/28 (17.8%) (p=0.78); neurological complication, 5/33 (15.1%) vs 5/28 (17.8%) (p=0.78); median hemostatic time (months), 10.0 vs 11.5 (p=0.22); and median survival time (months), 10.0 vs 11.5 (p=0.39).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in rebleeding risk or neurological complication was observed between the BES and PAO groups. Our study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of applying BES for iCBS in HNC patients.

The use of PK Papyrus covered coronary stent for carotid reconstruction: an initial institutional experience

BACKGROUND

The use of covered stent grafts for the treatment of carotid rupture is increasingly being used given their ability to preserve the parent artery while simultaneously occluding the fistula or rupture point.

METHODS

This case series describes the technical feasibility of using, and the performance of, the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent (Biotronik, Inc., Lake Oswego, Oregon, USA) in six patients with carotid rupture, including carotid cavernous fistulas, between July 2021 and October 2023 in a single-center institution in the USA.

RESULTS

The median decade of life was 5 (IQR 3) with a 1:1 male-to-female ratio. The majority were black patients (n=5/6, 83.3%). The most common disease pathology was carotid cavernous fistula (n=4/6, 66.7%), followed by traumatic carotid rupture (n=2/6, 33.3%). All the stent embolization procedures were successfully treated with the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent. None of the patients had any recurrence or re-treatment. The number of stents required ranged from 1 to 3. A balloon guide catheter was used in 66.7% of cases (n=4/6). In-hospital mortality was 0.0% (n=0/6). No in-stent thrombosis was observed, but there was one case of cangrelor-associated hemorrhagic stroke conversion. Transfemoral access was used in all cases with one access site complication. Median follow-up time was 1.8 months (IQR 3.5).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the largest case series in the USA demonstrating the feasibility and safety of using the PK Papyrus covered coronary stent for the treatment of carotid rupture, including carotid cavernous fistulas.

Covered Stent Treatment for Direct Carotid-Cavernous Fistulas: A Meta-Analysis of Efficacy and Safety Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (dCCFs) involve the abnormal shunting of blood between the internal carotid artery and the cavernous sinus. The use of covered stents (CSs) has been reported for the treatment of complex carotid artery lesions. However, the efficacy and safety of CS treatment for dCCFs remain controversial. Thus, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate these efficacy and safety endpoints.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed by comprehensively searching the Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify studies that were related to CS treatment for dCCFs. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted to pool the efficacy and safety outcomes from these studies based on perioperative and follow-up data.

RESULTS

Fourteen noncomparative studies enrolling 156 patients with 160 dCCFs met the inclusion criteria. When analyzing perioperative outcomes, the technical success rate was 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.948; 1.000], and the immediate complete occlusion rate was 90.9% (95% CI, 0.862; 0.959). Vasospasm and dissection occurred in 32.2% (95% CI, 0.238; 0.463) and 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.012) of patients, respectively. The in-stent acute thrombus formation rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.013). Postoperatively, the mortality rate was 0.1% (95% CI, 0.000; 0.013). Based on available follow-up data, the final complete occlusion and parent artery stenosis rates were 99.3% (95% CI, 0.959; 1.000) and 18.6% (95% CI, 0.125; 0.277), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

CS placement can be used to safely and effectively treat dCCFs. These results provide a reference for future clinical trials.

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.

Direct carotid-cavernous fistula presenting with intracranial hemorrhage without ocular symptoms

Herein, we report a unique case of nontraumatic direct carotid-cavernous fistula presenting with intracerebral hemorrhage without any ocular symptoms. A 90-year-old woman was found unconscious and vomiting due to a subcortical hemorrhage in the temporal lobe. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed a direct carotid-cavernous fistula of Barrow type A. Extensive cortical venous reflux from the superficial middle cerebral vein was observed and identified as a probable contributor to the cerebral hemorrhage. We performed successful embolization using combined transarterial and transvenous approaches. We first occluded the dangerous venous drainage via the transvenous approach, followed by selective occlusion of the direct carotid-cavernous fistula via the transarterial approach. This strategy provided that the dangerous venous drainage was completely occluded first in case complete obliteration could not be achieved with the transarterial approach.

First line Treatment of Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistulas Using Covered Stents at Level 1 Regional Trauma Center

Objective

The widely accepted treatment option of a traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (TCCF) has been detachable balloon or coils based fistula occlusion. Recently, covered stent implantation has been proving an excellent results. The purpose of this study is to investigate our experiences with first line choice of covered stent implantation for TCCF at level 1 regional trauma center.

Methods

From November 2004 to February 2020, 19 covered stents were used for treatment of 19 TCCF patients. Among them, 15 cases were first line treatment using covered stents. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Procedures were technically successful in all 15 cases (100%). Immediate angiographic results after procedure were total occlusion in 12 patients (80%). All patients except two expired patients had image follow-up (mean 15 months). Recurred symptomatic three patients underwent additional treatments and achieved complete occlusion. Mean clinical follow-up duration was 32 months and results were modified Rankin Scale 1–2 in five, 3–4 in five, and 5 in three patients.

Conclusion

The covered stent could be considered as fist line treatment option for treating TCCF patients especially in unstable vital sign. Larger samples and expanded follow-up are required to further develop their specifications and indications.

A Modified Treatment Through Point-to-Point Coil Embolization for Direct Carotid Cavernous to Fistula: A Single-Center Result

This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of the modified treatment through point-to-point coil embolization of direct carotid cavernous fistula (dCCF), and evaluate the long-term outcome of patients who underwent the above treatment. A total of 18 patients who suffered from dCCF (a total of 19 fistulas) between January 2013 to May 2020 were analyzed. Among these patients, 14 patients were treated through point-to-point coil embolization of the fistula, while four patients were treated through combined endovascular embolization (coils, a balloon, Onyx, and/or a stent). The number of coils that filled the fistulas was counted. The primary outcome was defined by post-operative digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or the signs after the recanalization of dCCFs during the follow-up period. For patients with dCCF who underwent point-to-point coil embolization, a minimum of three coils and a maximum of 16 coils were used for these 14 fistula patients, and an average of 7.9 coils were used for each fistula, but none of the fistulas was recanalized. Furthermore, two pseudoaneurysms were observed as a result of the compression of the coils. However, none of these 14 patients presented with signs of recanalization of fistulas or cranial paralysis. The procedure applied for the present study was shown to be a safe, economical and efficacious treatment approach for dCCFs through the point-to-point coil embolization of the fistula.

Neuro-Endovascular Intervention in Traumatic Carotico-Cavernous Fistulae: A Single-Center Experience

Introduction

The aim of this research was to describe a single-center practical experience in the management of traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (CCF).

Methods

There were a total of 31 patients between January 2005 and December 2019 with post-traumatic carotid cavernous sinus fistula (tCCF) who underwent treatment. We classified them into 2 types according to the flow of the CCF: patients with high flow CCF and patients with low flow CCF.

Results

Angiography revealed the high flow types on 21 patients (67.7%), the mean of patients ages are 31.5 years. Onyx embolization was performed in 1 patient (4.76%), transarterial balloon embolization was carried out in 10 patients (47.61%), transarterial coiling in 3 (14.28%) patients while 5 (28.8%) patients underwent transvenous routes to insert the coil and 2 patients (9.52%) were treated conservatively. Complete occlusion was achieved on all patients with coiling whereas the other treatment experiences the reducing flow of the fistula. We obtained 10 patients (32.2%) with a mean of 40.3 years as low flow type CCF. The patients with the low flow type mostly treated conservatively, because their symptoms were acceptable and intermittent.

Conclusion

The ballooning currently became the more affordable treatment in our center. Balloon embolization was recommended for medium- and large-size fistula. The coils should be recommended for small-size fistula. In some cases occlusion of the fistula cannot be obtained using the detachable balloon, a coil can be used to occlude the cavernous sinus via trans arterial or trans venous access. If the fistula failed to be treated in traditional ways using balloons or coils, occlusion of the parent vessels could be another option.

Secondary hemorrhagic complications in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: when the impact hits hard

OBJECTIVE

Clinical data on secondary hemorrhagic complications (SHCs) in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are sparse and mostly limited to ventriculostomy-associated SHCs. This study aimed to elucidate the incidence, risk factors, and impact on outcome of SHCs in a large cohort of SAH patients.

METHODS

All consecutive patients with ruptured aneurysms treated between January 2003 and June 2016 were eligible for this study. Patients' charts were reviewed for clinical data, and imaging studies were reviewed for radiographic data. SHCs were divided into those associated with ventriculostomy and those not associated with ventriculostomy, as well as into major and minor bleeding forms, depending on clinical impact.

RESULTS

Sixty-two (6.6%) of the 939 patients included in the final analysis developed SHCs. Ventriculostomy-associated bleedings (n = 16) were independently predicted by mono- or dual-antiplatelet therapy after aneurysm treatment (p = 0.028, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 10.28; and p = 0.026, aOR = 14.25, respectively) but showed no impact on functional outcome after SAH. Periinterventional use of thrombolytic agents for early effective anticoagulation was the only independent predictor (p = 0.010, aOR = 4.27) of major SHCs (n = 38, 61.3%) in endovascularly treated patients. In turn, a major SHC was independently associated with poor outcome at the 6-month follow-up (modified Rankin Scale score > 3). Blood thinning drug therapy prior to SAH was not associated with SHC risk.

CONCLUSIONS

SHCs present a rare sequela of SAH. Antiplatelet therapy during (but not before) SAH increases the risk of ventriculostomy-associated bleedings, but without further impact on the course and outcome of SAH. The use of thrombolytic agents for early effective anticoagulation carries relevant risk for major SHCs and poor outcome.

Treatment allocation of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms: The influence of aneurysm morphology

OBJECTIVES

Since publication of the ISAT study, the majority of neurovascular centers adhere to "coil first" policy for patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, final allocation in favor of coiling or clipping is based on anatomic features of ruptured intracranial aneurysms with respect to clinical characteristics of SAH. In this study, we analyzed the parameters relevant for treatment allocation of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms (AComAA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From our institutional SAH database, all cases with ruptured AComAA, which underwent diagnostic subtraction angiography (DSA) with subsequent treatment allocation, were included. The radiographic features of AComAA were collected from pre-treatment DSA. In addition, demographic, clinical and radiographic parameters of SAH were recorded. The variables selected through univariate analyses were subsequently evaluated using multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of 300 SAH patients in the final analysis, the majority of the cases underwent endovascular coiling (n = 221, 73.7%). The following aneurysm features were associated with treatment modality in the univariate analysis: maximal sack size (p = 0.034), perpendicular height (p = 0.007), aspect ratio (p < 0.001) and sack/neck-ratio (p = 0.001). Accordingly, the following cutoffs for these variables were defined upon the receiver operating characteristics curves: 5 mm for sack size, 6 mm for perpendicular height, 1.6 for aspect ratio and sack/neck-ratio. In the multivariate analysis, aspect ratio of 1.6 was the only independent predictor of treatment allocation (p = 0.005; aOR = 2.57; 95% CI 1.33-4.96), which remained significant (p = 0.003; aOR = 2.77; 95% CI 1.41-5.45) after adjusting for patients' age, WFNS & Fisher grades, as well as intracerebral hematoma volume.

CONCLUSION

Although not-routinely assessed during initial allocation treatment, our retrospective analysis proved that aspect ratio is a reliable predictor of treatment allocation of ruptured AComAA. Except for large space-occupying ICH commonly obligating the microsurgical treatment, other clinical and radiographic characteristics of SAH do not seem to be of clinical relevance for the selection of treatment modality.

Treatment of direct carotid-cavernous fistulas with flow diversion - does it work?

Direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are high flow lesions that can be challenging to treat. A number of recent reports suggest that flow diversion may be a viable treatment option. We present a case of a post-traumatic CCF successfully treated with flow diversion and provide a review of the literature. Our results suggest that flow diversion is a potentially effective treatment option for CCFs and is most successful when used as an adjunctive therapy.

Application of the Willis Covered Stent in the Treatment of Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present study was to describe our single-institutional experience of treating direct carotid-cavernous fistulas (DCCFs) with Willis covered stents (WCSs).

METHODS

Of a total of 31 DCCFs, 10 were treated with WCSs (Microport, Shanghai, China) at West China Hospital from January 2015 to December 2016. The indications for treatment, perioperative findings, and postoperative and follow-up results were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

All 10 patients had successful deployment of WCSs. Complete exclusion of the fistula was achieved in 6 patients immediately after deployment of 1 stent. Endoleak was observed in 4 patients (patients 2, 4, 5, and 9). Thus, repeat dilation of the stent with greater pressure was performed, which resolved the endoleak in 2 patients (patients 2 and 9). The endoleak of the other 2 patients persisted after repeat dilation of the balloon. Hence, a second stent was deployed in these 2 patients (patients 4 and 5), which eliminated the endoleak in patient 4. However, patient 5 continued to have a minimal endoleak. Nine patients had fistulas successfully occluded by WCSs during the follow-up period. One patient experienced recurrence of a DCCF at the 10-day follow-up point. We chose coil embolization to address this DCCF. No stenosis of the internal carotid artery or DCCF recurrence, except that in the abovementioned patient, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

WCS was proved to be an alternative treatment method for complex DCCFs through reconstruction and preservation of the internal carotid artery. Our study also confirmed the safety, efficacy, and midterm durability of WCSs for complex DCCFs without any serious delayed complications.

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

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of detachable balloons in embolizing traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (TCCFs) and the risk factors for recurrence after balloon embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

188 patients with TCCFs were enrolled, and clinical, treatment, and follow-up data were analyzed for possible risk factors for recurrence after embolization.

RESULTS

Among 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).

CONCLUSION

The 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.

Radial Artery Graft Bypass with Endovascular Trapping of the Internal Carotid Artery for Recurrent Carotid Cavernous Fistula: Different Surgical Fields, Different Surgical Considerations

BACKGROUND

Venous infarction in the brainstem caused by venous congestion is an extremely rare complication of traumatic carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs). This condition requires immediate treatment and a multimodal treatment strategy is needed to prevent recurrence.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 24-year-old man presented with exophthalmos and chemosis after a bicycle accident. Cerebral angiography showed an engorged right superior ophthalmic vein and a right carotid cavernous fistula. Transvenous coil embolization was successfully performed without severe complications. Two months later, a decline in mental status occurred. Follow-up angiography showed recanalization of the CCF. The patient underwent radial artery graft bypass surgery combined with endovascular trapping of the internal carotid artery. Sylvian veins and other cortical veins became intraoperatively arterialized and we observed marked brain edema after high-flow CCF. After surgery, the patient's mental status recovered and angiography showed good patency of the bypass graft and complete obliteration of the recurrent CCF.

CONCLUSIONS

To ensure prevention of recurrent CCF, internal carotid artery trapping combined with high-flow bypass surgery can be a good salvage treatment for urgent cases in which an endovascular approach already failed.

Recurrent Carotid Cavernous Fistula Originating from a Giant Cerebral Aneurysm after Placement of a Covered Stent

We report the case of a recurrent carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) originating from a giant cerebral aneurysm (GCA) after placement of a covered stent. A 47-year-old woman presented with sudden onset of severe headache, and left-sided exophthalmos and ptosis. Cerebral angiography revealed a CCF caused by rupture of a GCA in the cavernous segment of the left internal carotid artery. Two covered stents were placed at the neck of the aneurysm. The neurological symptoms improved at first, but were aggravated in the 6 months following the treatment. Contrast agent endoleak was seen in the distal area of the stent. Even though additional treatments were attempted via an endovascular approach, the CCF could not be cured. However, after trapping the aneurysm using coils and performing superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery bypass, the neurological symptoms improved. In cases of recurrent CCF originating from a GCA after placement of a covered stent, it is possible to treat the CCF by endovascular trapping and surgical bypass.

An Infected Aneurysm of the Vertebral Artery Treated with a Stent-graft: A Case Report

In a 75-year-old man, a growing vertebral artery aneurysm at the C3/4 intervertebral level was found at postoperative evaluation of cervical abscess, which was diagnosed as a complication of sepsis subsequent to cholangitis. Even after a successful antibiotic treatment and a surgical drainage, the aneurysm grew enough to cause compression of esophagus and trachea. The aneurysm was judged to be infection-related, based on the clinical course and the anatomical vicinity to the abscess. Following a dual antiplatelet treatment (clopidogrel 75 mg and aspirin 100 mg per day) for a week, the patient underwent endovascular treatment of the aneurysm with a stent-graft. Postoperative angiography showed complete obliteration of the aneurysm with preserving patency of the vertebral artery. A dual antiplatelet treatment was continued for 6 months and was changed to a single antiplatelet treatment (clopidogrel 75 mg per day) thereafter. Neither recurrence of the aneurysm nor stent-graft infection was observed for 4 years of follow-up. This case illustrates the potential use of a stent-graft in the treatment of an infected aneurysm.

Endovascular Modalities for the Treatment of Cavernous Sinus Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Cavernous sinus (CS) fistulas are classified into traumatic and spontaneous. Traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs) are usually direct internal carotid artery (ICA) high-flow fistulas; whereas spontaneous CCFs are usually dural, low-flow fistulas and generally possess less severe symptoms than direct carotid-cavernous fistulas.

METHODS

This study involved 34 patients who were classified into 2 groups: Group A included 26 patients with direct carotid-cavernous fistula; and Group B included 8 patients with indirect dural cavernous fistula. All patients had ocular manifestations. One patient had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Coils were used alone in 19 cases of direct fistula and in 1 case of dural fistulas. Coils and Onyx (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) were used in 7 cases of direct fistula and in 2 cases of dural fistulas. Onyx alone was used to treat 5 cases with dural fistulas but none of the cases with direct fistulas. Covered stents and coils were used in 2 cases of direct fistulas.

RESULTS

All patients in both groups showed full recovery of their clinical signs and symptoms. Only 1 procedure-related complication was observed (3%) in which a patient had an embolic event and trigeminal dysesthesia as a result of Onyx reflux through external carotid artery-ICA anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Coils are superior solid embolic agents used for the treatment of direct high-flow fistulas, while Onyx is more valuable in dural low-flow CCF. Onyx shortens the procedure time and decreases procedure cost. Onyx injection inside the CS proper through the transarterial or transvenous route may be safer than Onyx injected inside dural arteries supplying the CS. However, more cases are needed to determine this.

Endovascular retrieval of a prematurely deployed covered stent

Several techniques have been reported to address different endovascular device failures. We report the case of a premature deployment of a covered balloon mounted stent during endovascular repair of a post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF). A 50-year-old male suffered a fall resulting in loss of consciousness and multiple facial fractures. Five weeks later, he developed decreased left visual acuity, proptosis, chemosis, limited eye movements and cranial/orbit bruit. Cerebral angiography demonstrated a direct left CCF and endovascular repair with a 5.0 mm × 19 mm covered stent was planned. Once in the lacerum segment, increased resistance was encountered and the stent was withdrawn resulting in premature deployment. A 3 mm × 9 mm balloon was advanced over an exchange length microwire and through the stent lumen. Once distal to the stent, the balloon was inflated and slowly pulled back in contact with the stent. All devices were successfully withdrawn as a unit. The use of a balloon to retrieve a prematurely deployed balloon mounted stent is a potential rescue option if leaving the stent in situ carries risks.

Covered stents for the endovascular treatment of a direct carotid cavernous fistula : single center experiences with 10 cases

OBJECTIVE

Covered stent has been recently reported as an effective alternative treatment for direct carotid cavernous fistulas (DCCFs). The purpose of this study is to describe our experiences with the treatment of DCCF with covered stents and to evaluate whether a covered stent has a potential to be used as the first choice in selected cases.

METHODS

From February 2009 through July 2013, 10 patients underwent covered stent placement for a DCCF occlusion. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Covered stent placement was performed for five patients primarily as the first choice and in the other five as an alternative option. Access and deployment of a covered stent was successful in all patients (100%) and total occlusion of the fistula was achieved in nine (90%). Complete occlusion immediately after the procedure was obtained in five patients (50%). Endoleak persisted in five patients and the fistulae were found to be completely occluded by one month control angiography in four. The other patient underwent additional coil embolization by a transvenous approach. Balloon inflation-related arterial dissection during the procedure was noted in two cases; healing was noted at follow-up angiography. One patient suffered an asymptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion noted seven months post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Although endoleak is currently a common roadblock, our experience demonstrates that a covered stent has the potential to be used as the first choice in DCCF; this potential is likely to increase as experience with this device accumulates and the materials continue to improve.

Traumatic carotid-rosenthal fistula treated with Jostent Graftmaster

Traumatic injuries of the carotid artery may result in severe morbidity and mortality. The most common location of carotid artery injury is the cavernous segment, which may result in fistulous connection to the cavernous sinus and ophthalmic veins, which in turn lead to pressure symptoms in the ipsilateral orbit. Unlike the commonly reported direct traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula, we describe an unusual case of a 38-year-old man presented with a traumatic brain injury led to a fistula connection between the cavernous carotid artery and the ipsilateral basal vein of Rosenthal, with eventual drainage to the straight and transverse sinuses. The basal vein of Rosenthal is usually formed from confluence of anterior and middle cerebral veins deep in the Sylvian fissure and drain the insular cortex and the cerebral peduncles to the vein of Galen. Immediate endovascular deployment of a covered stent in the cavernous carotid artery allowed sealing the laceration site. Three months follow up showed a non-focal neurological examination and healed carotid laceration over the covered stent.

Jostent covered stent placement for emergency reconstruction of a ruptured internal carotid artery during or after transsphenoidal surgery

OBJECT

Internal carotid artery (ICA) rupture during transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is an extremely difficult complication to treat. This study aimed to evaluate the immediate and long-term outcomes of covered stent placement for emergency reconstruction of ruptured ICAs during or after TSS.

METHODS

Seven patients underwent covered stent placement for emergency reconstruction of a ruptured ICA during or after TSS. The safety and effectiveness of covered stent placement for emergency reconstruction of ruptured ICAs were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Pretreatment angiography showed active bleeding in 6 patients (5 intraoperative and 1 postoperative) and a pseudoaneurysm in 1 patient. Of the 6 patients with active bleeding, 5 were treated with a successive operation to control active bleeding. The other patient was treated just after cardiopulmonary resuscitation due to massive nasal bleeding 20 days after revision of TSS. All active bleeding was controlled immediately after covered stent insertion in these 6 patients. One patient showed a gap between the covered stent and ICA wall without active bleeding 30 minutes after glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor administration due to in-stent thrombosis. The gap was occluded with coil embolization after completion of the temporarily suspended TSS. The seventh patient, whose ICA tear was treated with surgical suture, underwent covered stent placement for a pseudoaneurysm detected on postoperative Day 2. During a mean follow-up period of 46 months (range 12-85 months), all patients had excellent outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 0). All the stented ICAs were patent on vascular imaging follow-up at a mean of 34 months (range 12-85 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Covered stents appear to be a safe and effective option for emergency reconstruction of ruptured ICAs during or after TSS.

Balloon-assisted coiling of the cavernous sinus to treat direct carotid cavernous fistula. A single center experience of 13 consecutive patients

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.

Follow-up of 58 traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas after endovascular detachable-balloon embolization at a single center

Background and Purpose

This study evaluated the clinical value of detachable-balloon embolization for traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (TCCF), focusing on the frequency, risk factors, and retreatment of recurrence.

Methods

Fifty-eight patients with TCCF underwent transarterial detachable-balloon embolization between October 2004 and March 2011. The clinical follow-up was performed every 3 months until up to 3 years postprocedure. Each patient was placed in either the recurrence group or the nonrecurrence group according to whether a recurrence developed after the first procedure. The relevant factors including gender, fistula location, interval between trauma and the interventional procedure, blood flow in the carotid-cavernous fistula, number of balloons, and whether the internal carotid artery (ICA) was sacrificed were evaluated.

Results

All 58 TCCFs were successfully treated with transarterial balloon embolization, including 7 patients with ICA sacrifice. Recurrent fistulas occurred in seven patients during the follow-up period. Univariate analysis indicated that the interval between trauma and the interventional procedure (p=0.006) might be the main factor related to the recurrence of TCCF. The second treatments involved ICA sacrifice in two patients, fistula embolization with balloons in four patients, and placement of a covered stent in one patient.

Conclusions

Detachable balloons can still serve as the first-line treatment for TCCFs and recurrent TCCFs despite having a nonnegligible recurrence rate. Shortening the interval between trauma and the interventional procedure may reduce the risk of recurrence.

Treatment of post-traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulas with the Willis covered stent. A preliminary prospective study

We describe our preliminary experience on the feasibility of using the Willis covered stent in patients with carotid-cavernous fistulas (CCFs). Eleven consecutive patients with post-traumatic CCFs referred for treatment with Willis covered stents were enrolled into this prospective study, and were subsequently followed-up at our hospital. Data on technical success, initial and final angiographic results, mortality, morbidity and final clinical outcome, was collected, with follow-up performed at one, three, six and 12 months, and yearly thereafter. Deployment of the covered stents was technically successful in all patients. Angiographic results following stent placement showed a complete occlusion in eight patients with ten CCFs, and an incomplete occlusion in three. No adverse events occurred either during or after the procedure. Angiographic follow-up (mean 14.73 ± 6.77 months) revealed complete occlusion and no obvious in-stent stenosis in all patients. Clinical follow-up (mean 17.73 ± 6.48 months) demonstrated full recovery in ten patients, and improvement in one. These preliminary results indicate that the use of the Willis covered stent is a feasible procedure, and that it may therefore serve as an alternative treatment for CCFs. Longer follow-up assessments and an expanded clinical trial are needed.

Endovascular implantation of covered stents in the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries: Case series and review of the literature

Background:

Covered stents are used endovascularly to seal arterial wall defects while preserving vessel patency. This report describes our experience with the use of covered stents to treat cervical pathology, and a review of the literature in regards to this topic is presented.

Case Description:

Two patients presenting with the carotid blowout syndrome and one patient with a vertebrojugular fistula were treated with covered stents. This allowed for preservation of the vessel and was a treatment alternative to cerebral bypass.

Conclusion:

Covered stents provide a viable means of preserving the cervical vessels in selected patients; however, long-term follow-up is necessary to determine stent patency and permanency of hemostasis.

Reconstructive endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the Willis covered stent: medium-term clinical and angiographic follow-up

Object

Placement of covered stents has emerged as a promising therapeutic option for cerebrovascular diseases. However, the medium- and long-term efficacy and safety of covered stents in the treatment of these diseases remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the medium-term clinical and angiographic outcomes of covered stent placement for the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

The authors' institutional review board approved the study. Thirty-four patients (13 females and 21 males; mean age 41.9 years) with 38 intracranial aneurysms were treated with the Willis covered stent. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed at 3 months, at 6–12 months, and annually thereafter. The initial procedural and follow-up outcomes were collected and analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Forty-two covered stents were successfully implanted into the target artery in 33 patients with 37 aneurysms, and 1 covered stent navigation failed in 1 patient. A complete aneurysm exclusion was initially achieved in 24 patients with 28 aneurysms, and a minor endoleak occurred in 9 patients with 9 aneurysms. Postoperatively, 2 patients died of complications related to the procedure. Angiographic and clinical follow-up data are available in 30 patients. The angiographic follow-up (17.5 ± 9.4 months [mean ± SD]) exhibited complete occlusion in 28 patients with 31 aneurysms, and incomplete occlusion in 2 aneurysms, with an asymptomatic in-stent stenosis in 3 patients (10%). The clinical follow-up (26.7 ± 13 months [mean ± SD]) demonstrated that 16 patients (53.3%) experienced a full recovery, and 14 patients (46.7%) improved. No aneurysm rupture, thromboembolic events, or neurological deficits resulting from closure of a perforating vessel by covered stent placement occurred.

Conclusions

Endovascular reconstruction with the Willis covered stent represents a safe, durable, and curative treatment option for selected intracranial aneurysms, yielding an excellent medium-term patency of the parent artery and excellent clinical outcomes.

Long-term outcome after coil embolization of cavernous sinus arteriovenous fistulas

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Cranial nerve palsies are regularly observed in patients with arteriovenous fistulas of the cavernous sinus. The purpose of our study was to determine the long-term clinical outcome-with a special focus on extra-ocular muscular dysfunctions-in patients who had undergone endovascular treatment of a cavernous sinus fistula with detachable coils.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients were recalled for an ophthalmoneurologic control examination (mean interval of 4.4 years). The mRS and the EQ-5D questionnaire were used for the description of general outcome. Age, duration of symptoms, character of the fistula (direct, dural), and coil volume were tested to assess their relevance for persistent symptoms.

RESULTS

All patients displayed complete regression of chemosis, exophthalmus, and pulsating tinnitus with no evidence of recurrences. Oculomotor disturbances persisted in 9 of 13 patients and caused permanent diplopia in 7 patients. In 15 patients a mRS score of 1 or 2 was achieved; however, 7 patients reported some limitations in life quality (EQ-5D). A significant correlation was found between coil volume and persistent diplopia (P = .032) and persistent cranial nerve VI paresis (P = .037).

CONCLUSIONS

Coil embolization of the cavernous sinus led to durable closure of AVF and reliable regression of acute symptoms. However, long-term follow-up showed a 44% rate of persistent cranial nerve deficits with disturbances of oculomotor and visual functions. This may be explained by the underlying fistula size itself and/or the space-occupying effect of the coils. As neuro-ophthalmologic outcome is crucial for control of therapeutic success, patients should be routinely examined by ophthalmologists.