Hemodynamic evaluation during balloon test occlusion of the sigmoid sinus: clinical and technical considerations

Test occlusion of a patent dural sinus requires careful hemodynamic evaluation. We performed balloon test occlusion of the sigmoid sinus in a patient with an advanced-stage temporal bone malignancy that affected the dominant sigmoid sinus. Before and during the test occlusion, intrasinus pressure was monitored upstream from the balloon via the inner lumen of a double-lumen angioplasty balloon microcatheter. On the basis of the hemodynamic findings, permanent balloon occlusion was carried out without complications.