Treatment of external carotid artery fistula by percutaneous venous approach.

Summary: Endovascular treatment of high flow arteriovenous fistula following a stab wound injury in a 25 year old man is reported. Previously performed proximal embolisation and surgicalligation failed to occlude the fistula but resulted in changes to the normal vascular anatomy and significant clinical and cosmetic disturbances. A direct puncture of the draining vein was performed and the fistulous connection occluded by placement of detachable coils and deposition of glue. Follow-up showed disappearance of the AVF as well as complete clinical recovery.