Purely Endoscopic Keyhole Approach for Resection of a Frontal Falx Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Technical Note

Abstract

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) in the falx cerebri are rare. This study presents a case of DAVF in the frontal falx cerebri that was successfully resected using a purely endoscopic keyhole microsurgical technique. A 69-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with an acute onset seizure. His condition was diagnosed as a DAVF in the frontal falx cerebri with multiple fistula points. A purely endoscopic resection was performed under neuronavigation. Postoperative angiography and clinical follow-up were performed after 10days and 3months, respectively. The DAVF was satisfactorily observed and resected using a purely endoscopic keyhole microsurgical technique, with no deterioration of neural functions or major vessel ruptures. Postoperative angiogram revealed complete obliteration of the DAVF and no recurrent epilepsy during the clinical follow-up. Supported by sufficient preoperative evaluation and meticulous manipulation,a purely endoscopic minimally invasive resection is feasible and safe for DAVF, with the advantages of close observation and panoramic view.