ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Carotid-cavernous sinus fistula is an old difficulty in neurosurgery. At present, the main way to deal with it is by embolizing the fistula via an arterial route. But if the fistula is small or supplied by several branches, it is difficult to embolize via an arterial approach. METHODS: In this report, 21 patients with carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae were successfully cured by embolizing the fistula via the SOV approach. RESULTS: All patients were cured, and there were no serious postoperative complications. Follow-up has been carried out in 19 cases for 8 months to more than 4 years; no recurrence manifested. CONCLUSION: For carotid-cavernous sinus fistulae that cannot be embolized arterially, the superior ophthalmic vein route is an easy, safe, effective and promising approach.