Experiences with intraluminal occlusion with the Fogarty catheter in the treatment of carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas and other lesions at the base of the skull.

Indications for the occlusion of the extradural portions of the carotid and vertebral arteries with the Fogarty catheter are demonstrated in 5 cases of traumatic carotid-cavernous sinus fistulas, in 1 case of an extradural carotid aneurysm originating from the anterior portion of the carotid siphon, in 1 case of traumatic carotid-jugular vein fistula and vertebral artery aneurysm with a-v shunt at the level of the atlas, and in 2 cases of large tumours of the base of the skull extending into the cavernous sinus. The limitation of the method is shown in one case where the catheter could not be passed through a "high" kink of the carotid artery. "Low" kinking, at the typical site above the bifurcation, can be overcome by mobilization and stretching of the vessel while introducing the catheter.