Willis covered stent in the treatment of traumatic carotid cavernous fistulae: a report of 7 cases

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Willis covered stent in the treatment of traumatic carotid cavernous fistulae (tCCF). Methods The imaging and clinical data of 7 patients with tCCF treated with Willis covered stent in Shanghai Punan Hospital from November 2015 to June 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Results Seven Willis covered stent were used in 7 patients. Immediately after stent release, angiography showed that the fistulae completely disappeared in 6 cases. One patient had a small amount of endoleak, and there was still a small amount of endoleaks after balloon dilatation. It was not further treated. There were no operative complications. During 3-12 months follow-up, no new neurological deficits were found in all patients. Angiographic follow-up of 2 patients showed that the fistulae completely disappeared without recurrence. The internal carotid arteries were patent, no in-stent stenosis and stent displacement. Conclusions Willis covered stent can be used as a treatment for tCCF. Its efficacy is satisfactory and the safety is good. Key words: Carotid-Cavernous Sinus Fistula; Craniocerebral Trauma; Stents; Carotid Artery, Internal; Treatment Outcome