Transethmoidal transsphenoidal approach for embolization of a carotid-cavernous fistula. Case report.

The authors describe a case of carotid-cavernous fistula that was not treatable by the standard interventional neuroradiological techniques of transarterial or transvenous occlusion of the fistula because access was blocked by prior trapping procedures. Access to the venous side of the fistula was gained by means of a transethmoidal transsphenoidal exposure, making it possible to embolize the lesion with coils. The details of this approach are described.