[Use of balloon catheters in cases of traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the carotid artery complicated by profuse nosebleed].

The endovascular method of occlusion of the cerebral vessels with a balloon catheter was applied in 16 patients with false traumatic aneurysms of the carotid cavernous segment attended by profuse nasal bleedings. All the patients were admitted in a grave condition with marked posthemorrhagic anemia. Angiography and endovascular operations were conducted as emergency measures. Separable and inseparable balloon catheters were used. It was proved that in small false aneurysms it is possible to occlude the cavity of the aneurysm with the balloon preserving the blood flow in the carotid artery (2 patients). In giant aneurysms complete arrest of the blood flow was only possible in occlusion of the ruptured area together with the carotid artery (14 patients). In all patients the aneurysms were completely occluded and the hazard of hemorrhages was eliminated. In 13 patients postoperative complications in the form of embolisms of the cerebral vessels caused permanent disorders of cerebral circulation and disability of the patients. The authors believe endovascular occlusion of rupture of the internal carotid artery with a balloon to be the most adequate operation in this emergency disease.