Facial Vein Approach by Direct Puncture at the Base of the Mandible for Dural Carotid-Cavernous Fistula

Abstract

A new facial vein approach by direct puncture at the base of the mandible is described for the treatment of dural carotid-cavernous fistulas. The facial vein is easy to identify, expose, and cannulate compared with the superior ophthalmic vein. The facial vein approach provides an alternative to the superior ophthalmic vein approach when the inferior petrosal sinus approach has failed.