Treatment of posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistula using a detachable balloon catheter.

Five cases of posttraumatic carotid-cavernous fistula are reported. The fistulas were occluded by intravascular detachable balloons, as described by Serbinenko and later modified by Debrun. The good results obtained in three of these patients illustrate the value of this procedure, as it allows a direct obliteration of the fistula with preservation of the internal carotid blood flow.