Detachable balloon occlusion of carotid-cavernous sinus fistula.

A carotid-cavernous sinus fistula, an abnormal communication between the carotid artery and the cavernous sinus, may develop as a result of trauma or spontaneously. The goal of treatment is to occlude the fistula while preserving blood flow in the carotid artery. Intravascular embolization by means of a detachable balloon achieves both these goals without craniotomy. Clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and a nursing care plan for patients with carotid-cavernous sinus fistula are presented. Two case studies along with nursing interventions are described.