[Experience with the use of intravascular interventions using a balloon catheter for several types of cerebral...

Detachable balloon catheters were used during 38 intravascular procedures in 25 patients with vascular lesions and tumours of the brain. Permanent balloon occlusion of the cavernous part of the internal corotid artery or a reconstruction of this portion of the carotid artery, with its function preserved, was performed in patients with carotid-cavernous fistulas. In arterio-venous aneurysms one or two afferent vessels were occluded, while in cases of arterial aneurysm the latter was blocked itself. In cerebral neoplasms balloon catheters were used to precise the blood supply sources of the tumor, to occlude the vessels supplying meningiomas, and to perform intravital staining of the glial tumors. Positive results were obtained in 24 of the 25 patients. One patient died of middle cerebral artery thrombosis. The method of catheterization and occlusion of cerebral vessels with the aid of balloon catheters proved effective in the examination and treatment of patients with some vascular lesions and tumors of the brain.