Treatment Of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas Research Articles

Unexpected coil mass migration during transvenous embolization of a dural arteriovenous fistula resolved with guidewire-assisted snaring technique.

Endovascular embolization is a standard treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). Although it is considered relatively safe, intraoperative and postoperative complications can occur. Herein, a rare case of unexpected coil mass migration requiring a retrieval procedure during sinus occlusion for a transverse-sigmoid sinus dAVF (TSdAVF) is described. An 83-year-old man presented with worsening decline in cognitive function. Magnetic resonance angiography showed a TSdAVF. Since his symptoms seemed to be a result of the TSdAVF, transvenous embolization preserving the normal cranial venous circulation was planned. During sinus occlusion, including embolization of the shunted pouch of the TSdAVF, unexpected migration of the coil mass to the confluence of the superior sagittal sinus and the transverse sinus occurred. The migrated coil mass impeded venous circulation in the superior sagittal sinus. Since the presence of the coil mass at the confluence could have had catastrophic sequelae, the coil mass was retrieved using a guidewire-assisted snaring technique. Sinus occlusion was subsequently completed with repositioning of the coil mass at the target site. The TSdAVF resolved, with no recurrence confirmed for 1year. Clinicians should be aware that coil mass migration can unexpectedly occur during sinus occlusion performed for treatment of a TSdAVF. The guidewire-assisted snaring technique might be effective in resolving this intraoperative complication.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas with Onyx: A consecutive series of 62 patients from a single-center.

Intracranial intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are mainly treated with an endovascular approach and various embolic agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of Onyx embolization in the treatment of DAVFs and characterize the factors as sociated with complete obliteration. This retrospective study was based on 62 patients with DAVFs who underwent endovascular treatment with Onyx alone or in combination with coils at our institution. Clinical and imaging data were collected and analyzed. A total of 62 patients with 64 DAVFs were treated with endovascular embolization. The most common primary symptom was ophthalmological signs with a rate of 37.1%. Cognard type III was the most commonly seen subtype (32.8%). The immediate complete occlusion and follow-up rate was 92.2% and 93.5%, respectively. Transvenous balloon-assisted sinus protection was used in 12 patients (18.8%). The pressure cooker technique was used in eight patients (12.5%). Complications were seen in five patients including intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 2), venous thrombotic events (n = 2), and glued microcatheter (n = 1). Endovascular Onyx alone or in combination with coils embolization is a safe and effective therapy for DAVFs. Favorable angiographic and clinical outcomes can be achieved using different endovascular approaches. Transvenous balloon-assisted sinus protection and the pressure cooker technique may help achieve complete occlusion of DAVFs.

Stereotactic radiosurgery with versus without embolization for intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been established as a safe and alternative treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs). While embolization alone is the most commonly used modality for the treatment of dAVFs, the adjunctive use of embolization with SRS, with the growing use of SRS, has gained increasing interest in the past few years. However, the relative efficacy and safety of SRS combined with embolization versus SRS alone for dAVFs remains uncertain. Hence, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SRS with adjunctive embolization for intracranial dAVFs. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted by searching electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, up to August 2023. All studies evaluating the utilization of adjunctive embolization and SRS for dAVFs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was conducted on the suitable outcomes. Eighteen studies involving 715 patients were included. The mean age of the participants in the study was 64.30 years in the adjunctive embolization group and 60.51 years in the SRS-alone group. In the adjunctive embolization group 41.3% of patients were female, compared with 47.1% in the SRS-only group. The dAVF obliteration rates were 64.7% and 65.7% in the adjunctive embolization and SRS-alone groups, respectively. These obliteration rates were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.96), as were the symptom improvement rates (p = 0.35). Adverse events were rare, and were more commonly associated with the adjunctive embolization procedure, although further causal analysis was not possible. This study provides evidence that adjunctive embolization plus SRS provides similar obliteration and symptom improvement rates compared with SRS alone, with both having very limited SRS-related adverse events. Considering the added burden and adverse events of additional endovascular treatment, the authors recommend embolization be reserved for more complex dAVFs or when embolization can potentially be curative alone or provide more rapid symptomatic relief or protection during the radiosurgical latency period.

Middle cranial fossa non-cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas: 20years of experience.

Non-cavernous sinus (CS) dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) involving the sphenoid bone are rare entities that are easily confused with one another due to the complex structure and high variability of the venous system around the middle cranial fossa. We present a large retrospective study on middle cranial fossa non-CS DAVFs and review the literature on DAVF treatment in this location as well as relative anatomy. 15 patients had DAVFs involving the lesser sphenoid wing and 11 patients had DAVFs involving the greater sphenoid wing. Six patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage or subarachnoid hemorrhage (23.1%, 6/26). The most common symptoms were eye symptoms (38.5%, 10/26). Nineteen patients were treated with trans-arterial embolization (TAE) using liquid embolic agents and two patients were treated with transvenous embolization (TVE) using Onyx or in combination with coils. Surgical disconnection of the drainage veins was performed in five patients, with three cases experiencing unsuccessful TAE. Anatomic cure was achieved in 92.3% of the patients (24/26). Twelve patients had DSA and clinical follow-up from 3 to 27months. There was one recurrence (8.3%) of the fistula in the patient two months after the initial complete occlusion. The majority of patients can be cured endovascularly. Laterocavernous sinus DAVFs may not be embolized by transvenous approach via the cavernous sinus because there is often no connection between them in most patients. A small percentage of patients may require surgical ligation to be cured.

Endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas involving the vein of Galen: a single-center cohort and meta-analysis

BackgroundDural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) draining into the vein of Galen (VoG) are complex lesions that often necessitate treatment to minimize the risk of rupture and relieve symptoms. These lesions can...

Hairball-Like Migration of "Onyx Threads" into the Draining Vein during Transarterial Embolization of a Dural Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report and Experimental Validation.

Transarterial embolization using Onyx is a well-established treatment for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). However, complications can arise when Onyx migrates into the venous side, impairing the draining veins. We encountered a case where Onyx, injected through the arterial side, strayed into the jugular vein, forming a hairball-like structure. Our study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of this unusual phenomenon. We postulated that Onyx precipitates into thread-like shapes when passing through extremely narrow openings. To test this, we extruded Onyx from a syringe through a 27-gauge needle into a silicone tube with flowing water. By varying the flow speed, we observed the hardening behavior of Onyx. Under slow flow, the extruded Onyx quickly solidified at the needle tip, forming a round mass. Conversely, high-speed flow resulted in Onyx being dispersed as small pieces. We successfully replicated the formation of "Onyx threads" under continuous slow flow conditions, similar to our case. This phenomenon occurs when Onyx unexpectedly migrates to the draining vein through a tiny opening during transarterial embolization for arteriovenous shunt diseases. Early recognition and appropriate measures are necessary to prevent occlusive complications in the draining veins and the pulmonary system.

Endovascular Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in a Medium-Sized Scandinavian Neurovascular Center

Endovascular treatment is the primary treatment modality for dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). We performed a retrospective analysis of DAVFs treated in our hospital to determine if high-quality endovascular treatment can be provided in a medium-volume vascular center. From 2007 to 2021, 69 DAVF treatments were undertaken in our hospital. Of these DAVFs, 55 were endovascular, 11 were open surgical procedures, and 3 were Gamma Knife treatments. Of the endovascular treatments, 10 (18.2%) were in ruptured DAVFs. The most common location of endovascularly treated DAVFs was at the transverse/sigmoid sinus (32.7%) and at the cavernous sinus (25.5%). Of the endovascularly treated DAVFs, 38.2% were low-grade fistulas (Cognard I/IIa), whereas 61.8% were high-grade fistulas (Cognard ≥IIb). 58.2% of fistulas were treated transarterially. DAVFs located in the cavernous sinus were treated using coils alone, whereas most other DAVFs were treated with liquid embolics alone or in combination with coils. Complete or near-complete cure was achieved in 74.5% of treatments, whereas 18.2% of treatments resulted in downgrading of the fistula. Twelve patients were retreated once (9 endovascularly) and 1 patient was retreated twice. After retreatment, complete or near-complete cure was achieved in 86.4% of patients. 72.7% of treatments were performed without any remnant or retreatment. There were no procedure-related deaths. One patient experienced a complication resulting in permanent neurologic deficits. Seven other complications (12.7%) were recorded, all asymptomatic or causing only temporary symptoms. Based on our findings, we conclude that high-quality treatment of DAVFs can be provided in a medium-volume vascular center.

Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Intradural Draining Vein at the Craniocervical Junction: Case Series with Special Reference to the Anatomical Considerations

Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula with Intradural Draining Vein at the Craniocervical Junction: Case Series with Special Reference to the Anatomical Considerations

Dural Arteriovenous Fistula:Indications and Outcomes

The diagnosis of dural arteriovenous fistulas(DAVF)has advanced with the development of imaging techniques. The indication for treatment of DAVF is generally based on classification according to the venous drainage pattern, which determines whether the presentation is benign or aggressive. In recent years, with the introduction of Onyx, transarterial embolization has been increasingly used, and outcomes have improved, although some conditions are more suitable for transvenous embolization. It is important to select an optimal approach based on location and angioarchitecture. Since DAVF is a rare vascular disease with limited evidence, further validation of clinical results is needed to provide more established treatment guidelines.

LIQUID - Treatment of high-grade dural arteriovenous fistulas with Squid liquid embolic agent: a prospective, observational multicenter study

BackgroundEndovascular embolization is a feasible treatment for cranial dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). New embolic agents aim to improve the success of DAVF embolization.ObjectiveTo assess the safety, efficacy, and short-term outcome...

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas before Endovascular Treatment: A Retrospective Study.

Typical treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) emphasizes clinical procedures such as surgery, radiotherapy, and endovascular treatment. However, external factors of adverse psychological emotions in patients with DAVF before treatment have not yet been evaluated in a multicenter study. This study aimed to fill the research gap regarding the effects of factors by evaluating the anxiety and depression status among patients with DAVF before and after endovascular treatment and identify factors influencing the development of anxiety and depression before their endovascular treatment. This retrospective study included 168 DAVF patients treated at two independent neurosurgical medical centers from December 2012 to December 2022. The Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were assessed before and after endovascular treatment. Demographic and clinical data were also collected. Statistical tests were performed to calculate the proportion of DAVF patients with anxiety and depression. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for anxiety and depression in patients with DAVF before endovascular treatment. A significant decrease in the percentage of patients with anxiety and depression was observed in patients after endovascular treatment compared with before treatment. Patients with DAVF who were at a higher risk for anxiety and depression were females had multiple visits, comorbid conditions, and a lower economic status and were presented with symptoms. After endovascular treatment, the anxiety or depression symptoms of DAVF patients significantly improved. Our findings provide additional evidence to support the role of intravascular treatment in improved DAVF patients' psychological outcomes.

Surgical Strategy for Ethmoidal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare type of intracranial DAVF. The aim of this study was to report our experience with a unilateral approach and discuss its effectiveness for ethmoidal DAVF treatment. The study included 19 patients who underwent surgical treatment for ethmoidal DAVF between January 1999 and May2021. Median age of patients was 59.7 years; 16 (84%) patients were male. Three patients had a ruptured ethmoidal DAVF. Preoperative digital subtraction angiography showed that all ethmoidal DAVFs were supplied by the bilateral external carotid artery branches. In 18 (95%) patients, cortical draining veins were located on the unilateral side. Bilateral lesions were identified in only 1 (5%) patient. The frontobasal approach was performed in 5 patients (26%), the pterional approach was performed in 5 (26%) patients, and the lateral supraorbital approach was performed in 9 (47%) patients; median procedural times were 198 minutes, 172 minutes, and 111 minutes, respectively. Cortical draining vein was successfully disconnected in all 19 patients with 20 ethmoidal DAVFs. Complete obliteration of ethmoidal DAVF was confirmed in all patients, with no postoperative complications. No recurrence or related clinical events were reported in 13 (68%) patients over 12 months of clinical and radiological follow-up. We reconfirmed excellent outcomes of surgical treatment for ethmoidal DAVFs. Three different surgical strategies were attempted, and each had pros and cons. The lateral supraorbital approach is an efficient surgical option for unilateral ethmoidal DAVFs. Careful preoperative examination for the presence of bilateral drainage is essential.

Sphenoparietal Sinus Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Series of 10 Patients.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) of the sphenoparietal sinus or sphenoid wing region are uncommon lesions with unique and interesting angioarchitecture. Understanding appropriate anatomy and recognizing patterns provide important treatment implications. To describe a single surgeon's experience with open surgical treatment of sphenoparietal sinus DAVFs, the surgical indications for this uncommon lesion, and the microsurgical techniques related to its treatment and to review the literature on its surgical treatment. Consecutive cases of sphenoparietal sinus DAVF treatment conducted by a single surgeon over 24 years (1997-2020) were retrospectively reviewed. Published reports of similar cases were reviewed. Of 202 surgically treated DAVFs, 10 lesions in 10 patients were sphenoparietal sinus DAVFs. Four patients presented with intracranial hemorrhage, 3 with headache, and 2 with pulsatile tinnitus; 1 patient was incidentally identified as having a DAVF during treatment for a ruptured aneurysm. Most patients (7 of 10) had undergone endovascular embolization previously. Nine patients had Borden type III DAVFs and one had a Borden type II fistula. Surgery in all 10 patients resulted in angiographically confirmed fistula obliteration. Clinical outcomes at the last follow-up, measured by a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, were excellent in 6 patients (mRS ≤ 2) and poor in 1 patient (mRS ≥ 3); late outcomes were not available for 3 patients. Sphenoparietal sinus DAVFs are an uncommon anatomic subtype. Careful attention to angiographic detail leads to identification of the site of venous interruption and results in a high rate of surgical cure with excellent clinical outcomes.

The use of a new classification in endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas

ObjectiveDural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a complex condition and several different classifications have been proposed focusing on venous drainage directions. This study was to evaluate a practical and easy-to-follow Zipfel's classification for DAVFs based on new natural history data. MethodsFrom 2014 to 2018, 143 patients of DAVFs (including 134 cerebral and 9 spinal) were consecutively retrospectively reviewed. Patients' pre-treatment status (pre-mRS) were analyzed using one-way ANOVA between Borden, Cognard and Zipfel's classifications. Patients' characteristics, treatments and outcomes were also analyzed between 3 groups of Zipfel's type I, II and III. ResultsThe results of one-way ANOVA indicated that pre-mRS was significantly different between Zipfel's type and Cognard classifications (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). This suggested that patients' pre-mRS was better distributed in Zipfel's classification than Cognard classification. In Zipfel's classification, male and non-sinus location were correlated with the Zipfel's type III DAVF (p<0.001). More than 3 arterial feeders and pial arterial suppliers were associated with a high grade (Zipfel's type II and III) DAVF (p=0.003). Worse symptoms were observed in Zipfel's type II and III DAVF (p=0.003) and aggressive endovascular treatment was needed (p<0.001). Transarterial treatment was usually used in Zipfel's type III DAVF and transvenous treatment was used commonly in Zipfel's type II DAVF (p<0.001). ConclusionsThe Zipfel's classification could evaluate the hemodynamic and clinical status of DAVFs and guide their treatment. The Zipfel's classification was informative by providing an effective assessment for the natural history of patients with simple but precise method.

Transarterial embolization in dural arteriovenous fistulas under sinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU supercompliant balloon

ObjectiveTransarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection is an efficient treatment strategy for intracranial arteriovenous fistula. Ordinary balloon protection methods using the Copernic RC balloon may occlude the normal drainage route, and the occurrence of venous complications is concerning. The aim of this study was to report the efficacy of the supercompliant SHOURYU balloon catheter for intrasinus balloon protection while preserving the normal venous outlet. MethodsEighteen patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas who were treated with transarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection between April 2011 and July 2020 were included. All lesions were treated with transarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU balloon catheter. Clinical and angiographic data were retrospectively collected, and the occlusion rate, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. ResultsNine men and nine women were treated, and their average age was 61.1 years. Fistulas were located at the transverse-sigmoid sinus (n = 13), superior sagittal sinus (n = 3), tentorial sinus (n = 1), and around the torcular Herophili (n = 1). Ten patients were classified as Borden typeⅠand eight as Borden type Ⅱ. Complete (n = 9) or near-complete (n = 4) occlusion was achieved in 72.2% of the patients. Periprocedural complications, but no venous complications were observed in two patients. Symptoms were not aggravated after treatment. ConclusionsTransarterial embolization under intrasinus balloon protection using the SHOURYU balloon catheter is effective and safe for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas while maintaining the patency of the venous sinus.

Seizure Outcome in Patients with Seizure-Associated Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

To evaluate seizure outcome in patients with seizure-associated dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs). Between 2001 and 2019, 1198 consecutive patients underwent treatment for DAVFs in our neuroscience institute. Among these, 48 patients presented with initial seizure before treatment. The seizure outcome after treatment were assessed by patients' medical records, updated clinical information, and, when necessary, direct patient contact. Cortical venous reflux was present in all 48 patients with a history of seizure, including 36 cases with single fistula and 12 cases with multiple DAVFs. Complete angiographic occlusion of DAVFs was achieved in all patients at the latest follow-up. There were no immediate or long-term persistent complications after treatment. At 1-year follow-up, 54.2% (26/48) of the patients were seizure-free, and 29.2% (14/48) were medication-free. At 2-year follow-up, 81.3% (39/48) were seizure-free, and 64.6% (31/48) were medication-free. At the last follow-up (mean 7.9 years), 93.8% (45/48) were seizure-free, and 81.3% (39/48) were medication-free. Fewer than 5 seizures before treatment and a seizure history of <3 months before treatment were 2 independent predictive factors for higher seizure-free rate at 1-year follow-up (before P < 0.05) as well as independent predictive factors for higher medication-free rate at 2-year follow-up (both P < 0.05). DAVF-related seizures can be effectively controlled through treatment of DAVF. Short seizure history and fewer seizures before treatment predict satisfactory seizure outcome after DAVF treatment, which indicates early treatment for seizure-associated DAVFs.

A Damp-and-Push Technique for the Copolymer (Onyx) Embolization of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

BackgroundCopolymer (Onyx) embolization is an effective treatment for dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF), however, some dAVFs have multiple, high-flow feeding vessels, resulting in insufficient embolization. For the treatment of such patients, we have developed a novel flow-control technique, the ‘damp-and-push technique’. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical efficiency and safety of this technique. MethodsSeven patients who had been diagnosed with intracranial dAVF were treated by transarterial Onyx embolization using the damp-and-push technique between 2016 and 2019. This technique was designed to reduce blood flow to the shunt site using a balloon catheter in the major feeding vessel other than the one injected with Onyx, leading to better Onyx penetration and enabling more controlled embolization of complex dAVFs. Retrospectively collected data were reviewed to assess the occlusion rates and clinical outcomes. ResultsThe dAVF was at a transverse sinus-sigmoid sinus junction in four patients, in the superior sagittal sinus in two, and in the tentorium in one. Five cases were Cognard type Ⅱb and two cases were Cognard type Ⅳ. All the patients were treated by transarterial Onyx injection via the main feeding vessel, combined with flow reduction in the other main feeding vessel using a balloon catheter. Complete occlusion was achieved in six patients and elimination of cerebral venous reflux was achieved in all the patients. There were no immediate or delayed post-interventional complications. ConclusionsTransarterial Onyx embolization of dAVF using the damp-and-push technique is safe and yields a high complete occlusion rate.

Transarterial Embolization via Surgical Cut Down of the Occipital Artery for the Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Superior Sagittal Sinus: Case Report

Transarterial Embolization via Surgical Cut Down of the Occipital Artery for the Treatment of Dural Arteriovenous Fistula of the Superior Sagittal Sinus: Case Report

初诊颅内静脉窦血栓形成的硬脑膜动静脉瘘一例

初诊颅内静脉窦血栓形成的硬脑膜动静脉瘘一例

Endovascular Treatment for Dural Arteriovenous Fistulae Using a Sinus Protection Balloon to Maintain the Patency of the Dural Sinus.

We introduce our technique to treat dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFe) under sinus balloon protection. The Kaneka Shoryu 7 × 7 mm balloon was used for sinus occlusion. Initially, the balloon was inflated slowly using 1.5-2.0 mL of saline on the table. A 6F guiding catheter was navigated into the proximal portion of the lesion from the jugular vein of the affected side. The balloon catheter was introduced to the point occluding the shunt. The balloon was temporarily inflated to determine the occlusion point without occluding the outlet of the vein of Labbe. ONYX injection was started from the microcatheter located at just proximal to the shunt point under sinus balloon occlusion. ONYX penetrated the feeding arteries in an antegrade and retrograde manner. After the penetration of ONYX into each feeding artery, the inflated balloon was temporarily deflated to examine the residual shunt. If a small shunt remained, the balloon was inflated again and ONYX injection was continued. To cure dAVF, the location of the balloon is important. The guiding catheter should be placed just proximal to the shunt and the balloon catheter should be gently pulled to stabilize the balloon position.