Carotid cavernous fistula coil embolization
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Advancements in Carotid Cavernous Fistula Coil Embolization Techniques: A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) coil embolization is a crucial medical procedure designed to address the abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, often resulting in abnormal blood flow and elevated pressure within the cavernous sinus. This connection can lead to various neurological symptoms and potential complications.
This review discusses the key steps involved in CCF coil embolization, including diagnostic angiography, guidewire placement, catheter insertion, coil placement, and post-procedure monitoring. The primary objective of this procedure is to effectively close the abnormal connection, restoring normal blood flow and alleviating CCF-related symptoms.
Furthermore, the review highlights complications associated with different venous approaches, such as cranial nerve injury, vascular dissections, and perforations. It emphasizes the significance of careful patient selection and technique to minimize these complications.
The use of detachable balloons in the treatment of direct CCFs is also explored, providing insights into their role in achieving successful embolization. Clinical outcomes and angiographic cure rates are discussed based on case series and reports, offering valuable information for healthcare practitioners and researchers.
In conclusion, carotid cavernous fistula coil embolization is an essential intervention performed by specialized medical professionals. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the procedure, its complications, and outcomes, facilitating a better understanding of the treatment and its effectiveness in managing CCF.
Introduction
Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) coil embolization is a medical procedure used to treat a carotid cavernous fistula, which is an abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus in the brain. This connection can lead to abnormal blood flow and pressure in the cavernous sinus, which can cause a range of neurological symptoms and potential complications.
The goal of coil embolization is to close off the abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, thus restoring normal blood flow and relieving the symptoms associated with the CCF. Here’s how the procedure typically works:
Diagnostic Angiography: The first step is usually a diagnostic angiography, during which a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels, and X-ray imaging is used to visualize the blood vessels in the head and neck. This helps the medical team locate the exact site of the CCF and assess its size and characteristics.
Guidewire Placement: A thin, flexible guidewire is threaded through a catheter and advanced through the blood vessels to reach the site of the CCF.
Catheter Insertion: A catheter, which is a long, thin tube, is then inserted into the blood vessel and guided to the location of the CCF.
Coil Placement: Platinum coils or other embolic devices are delivered through the catheter to the site of the CCF. These coils are designed to create a barrier that blocks the abnormal blood flow and encourages the formation of a blood clot to seal off the fistula.
Check and Repeat: The medical team will use imaging, typically fluoroscopy, to ensure that the coils are properly placed and that the CCF is effectively blocked. In some cases, additional coils may be needed to achieve complete closure.
Removal of Catheter: Once the CCF is successfully embolized, the catheter and guidewire are removed from the blood vessels.
Post-procedure Monitoring: After the procedure, patients are typically observed in a recovery area and monitored for a period to check for any immediate complications. They may also receive anticoagulant medications to prevent clot formation at the coil site.
Recovery time and the specific details of the procedure can vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the CCF. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for a period of observation, and they will be closely monitored for potential complications. Long-term follow-up is essential to assess the effectiveness of the coil embolization and to ensure that the CCF does not reoccur.
It’s important to note that this procedure is performed by interventional radiologists or neurosurgeons with expertise in vascular malformations, and the choice of treatment method depends on the specific characteristics of the CCF and the patient’s overall health.
Complications
Complications associated with different venous approaches are injury of the cranial nerves due to the dense packing of the CS with coils as well as vascular dissections and perforations 1).
One case (3.2%) experienced procedure-related complication presented with transient oculomotor nerve palsy 2)
The use of Onyx is not exempt from complications such as transient compressive neuropathies or cranial nerve ischemia/infarction caused by post-embolization CS thrombosis and penetration within arterial collaterals, respectively 3)
Acquired proptosis and progressive abducens nerve palsy due to overpacked coiling material: rare sequelae of carotid cavernous fistula embolization 4).
Case series
Plasencia and Santillan report ther experience using the endovascular technique in 24 patients harboring 25 CCFs treated between October 1994 and April 2010, with an emphasis on the role of detachable balloons for the treatment of direct CCFs.
Of the 16 patients who presented with direct CCFs (Barrow Type A CCFs) (age range, 7-62 years; mean age, 34.3 years), 14 were caused by traumatic injury and 2 by a ruptured internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm. Eight patients (age range, 32-71 years; mean age, 46.5 years) presented with nine indirect CCFs (Barrow Types B, C, and D). The clinical follow-up after endovascular treatment ranged from 2 to 108 months (mean, 35.2 months). In two cases (8%), the endovascular approach failed. Symptomatic complications related to the procedure occurred in three patients (12.5%): transient cranial nerve palsy in two patients and a permanent neurological deficit in one patient. Detachable balloons were used in 13 out of 16 (81.3%) direct CCFs and were associated with a cure rate of 92.3%. Overall, the angiographic cure rate was obtained in 22 out of 25 (88%) fistulas. Patients presenting with III nerve palsy improved gradually between 1 day and 6 months after treatment. Good clinical outcomes [modified Rankin scale (mRS) ≤ 2] were observed in 22 out of 24 (91.6%) patients at last follow-up 5)
Case reports
Teoh et al. reported a acquired proptosis and progressive abducens nerve palsy due to overpacked coiling material: rare sequelae of carotid cavernous fistula embolization 6).
An 84-year-old woman presented to her local emergency room for diplopia and loss of visual acuity. Computed tomography (CT) of the head and CT angiography (CTA) showed no infarction, but the CTA revealed enlarged superior ophthalmic veins, suggesting a CCF (Figure 1). The emergency department referred her to Interventional Neuroradiology for treatment options. Physicians in the oculoplastics service also saw her before the procedure. Cerebral angiography was performed via the right femoral approach, demonstrating an indirect CCF supplied by small branches of both the right and left ICAs as well as ECA branches with primary venous drainage into the right superior ophthalmic vein. Immediately after the diagnosis of CCF was confirmed on diagnostic transfemoral arterial angiogram, a transfemoral venous approach was used in an attempt to treat the CCF via the jugular veins and the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS). This approach was unsuccessful because the IPS was completely occluded bilaterally. The patient returned for definitive treatment with the assistance of the ophthalmology department. In the angiography suite, the oculoplastic surgeon performed a cut down to expose the right superior ophthalmic vein.3 The neurointerventionalist then punctured the exposed vein with a micropuncture needle to advance an 0.018-inch guidewire into the cavernous sinus. A 4-French sheath was placed over the wire into the vein with its tip terminating at the midportion of the dilated superior ophthalmic vein. A Penumbra PX SLIM (Alameda, CA) microcatheter was then advanced over a microwire, and coils were used to occlude the cavernous sinus starting in the posterior cavernous sinus and extending forward into the superior and inferior ophthalmic veins. The neurointerventionalist deployed 150 cm of Penumbra 0.020-inch caliber detachable coils to occlude the CCF. During follow-up clinic visits, the patient’s vision showed continued improvement. Her visual acuity improved on postoperative day 1, and she showed further improvement on later clinic visits. Her diplopia slowly improved, and her proptosis also decreased. She had a cranial nerve VI palsy that improved by 50% at 3 months. Her chemosis resolved with treatment as well. 7).
Multiple Choice Test: Carotid Cavernous Fistula (CCF) Coil Embolization
What is the primary objective of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) coil embolization?
a. To diagnose CCF-related symptoms b. To create an abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus c. To close the abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus d. To monitor blood flow within the cavernous sinus
Which of the following is NOT one of the key steps involved in CCF coil embolization?
a. Diagnostic angiography b. Guidewire placement c. Catheter insertion d. Direct intracranial surgery
What is the role of platinum coils or embolic devices in CCF coil embolization?
a. To diagnose the size of the CCF b. To block the abnormal blood flow and encourage blood clot formation c. To provide anticoagulant medications to patients d. To monitor the patient’s recovery
Why is post-procedure monitoring important in CCF coil embolization?
a. To assess the effectiveness of the coils b. To determine the size of the catheter c. To ensure the patient is comfortable during recovery d. To create a direct connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus
What type of medical professionals typically perform CCF coil embolization?
a. General practitioners b. Cardiologists c. Interventional radiologists or neurosurgeons d. Ophthalmologists
Which of the following complications can be associated with CCF coil embolization?
a. Improved vision b. Cranial nerve injury c. Reduced blood pressure d. Normal blood flow in the cavernous sinus
What is the significance of detachable balloons in CCF coil embolization?
a. They are used to inflate the patient’s blood vessels. b. They help diagnose complications. c. They assist in achieving successful embolization. d. They are used to monitor cranial nerve function.
What is the purpose of a comprehensive review of CCF coil embolization?
a. To create a detailed treatment plan for patients b. To assess the cost of the procedure c. To provide a thorough examination of existing literature on the topic d. To promote awareness of CCF coil embolization among the public
Answers:
c. To close the abnormal connection between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus d. Direct intracranial surgery b. To block the abnormal blood flow and encourage blood clot formation a. To assess the effectiveness of the coils c. Interventional radiologists or neurosurgeons b. Cranial nerve injury c. They assist in achieving successful embolization. c. To provide a thorough examination of existing literature on the topic