Combined endovascular and microsurgical management of complex traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula: Three case reports

BACKGROUND: With the evolution of the endovascular devices, the management of endovascular interventions has become the current standard therapy for traumatic carotid-cavernous fistula (TCCF). However, only endovascular treatment may not be feasible in some patients with atypical TCCF. CASE DESCRIPTION: We described three complex TCCFs that could not be managed by conventional endovascular methods. The first patient had recurrent TCCF previously treated by muscle embolization and ligation of affected carotid arteries 23 years ago. Another two patients had TCCFs association with large pseudoaneurysm within the sphenoid sinus. In each patient, the fistula was successfully closed by trapping procedure using a combination of endovascular and surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: To reduce costs of treatment, trapping operation by combining surgical and endovascular treatment may be considered as an alternative option for complex TCCF which has some features including chronic stage, preexisting carotid artery ligation, or association with large venous pouch of the cavernous sinus or sphenoid sinus pseudoaneurysm.