Application of stent-graft is the optimal therapy for traumatic internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysms

Background: Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is an uncommon but serious complication, and difficult to repair surgically. Minimally invasive endovascular treatment of traumatic injuries of the ICA with a stent graft has become increasingly popular over the past decade. The efficacy of the stent graft appears satisfactory, but most if not all reported studies have involved small patient cohorts (less than 10) with short follow-up periods (less than 3 years). Methods: In this prospective study, 13 patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the ICA were recruited from June 2008 to June 2012. All the patients were examined using whole-brain cerebral angiography and followed up for as long as five years. Willis intracranial vascular stent grafts, manufactured by Shanghai Microport, were chosen as embolism material. Results: All 13 patients achieved good clinical outcome. Pseudoaneurysm recurred in one patient and this patient was treated by balloon occlusion of the parent artery. No patient suffered recurrent bleeding or death. Conclusion: Based on the outcomes of this relatively large cohort and long follow-up period, we believe that stent graft is an optimal therapy for patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the ICA.