Comaneci-Assisted Coiling Embolization of a Posttraumatic Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Abstract

Background: A direct carotid-cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare complication that typically occurs in closed head injuries. The balloon-assisted occlusion is the most used treatment. However, this technique requires multiple inflation/deflations, which could be problematic in a vessel with acute vessel injury.

Case description: In this study we reported a case of 72-year-old male patient with posttraumatic CCF, treated endovascularly with a transarterial Comaneci-assisted coiling embolization, highlighting the advantages and pitfalls of this innovative endovascular treatment.

Conclusions: The Comaneci-assisted coiling technique has proven to be advantageous both in the microcatheterization of the CCF and during coiling with remodeling technique. In addition, this device does not interrupt the vascular flow compared to balloon-assisted coiling and does not require long-term antiaggregation therapy with respect to the stent placement.

Keywords: Carotid-cavernous; Coiling; Comaneci-assisted; Embolization; Endovascular; Fistula; Selective microcatheterization.