Balloon-assisted endovascular treatment of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas.

AIM Most dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) can be treated safely and effectively with endovascular Onyx embolization. Balloon-assisted endovascular Onyx embolization of intracranial DAVFs is especially suitable for arterial protection and arterial flow reduction in complicated DAVFs. We systemically report our experience in the use of arterial balloon for Onyx embolization of DAVF and evaluate the clinical outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS Clinical records of 12 consecutive DAVFs patients (five women, seven men) treated with arterial balloon-assisted endovascular Onyx embolization were retrospectively collected to analysis their presenting symptoms, angiographic features, endovascular treatments, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Six patients presented with cortical venous reflux (CVR). Nine patients underwent transarterial (TA) and 3 patients underwent transvenous (TV) embolization. The balloons were used in 3 types of approach: arterial protection in TA embolization, arterial flow reduction in TA embolization and arterial protection in TV approach. Angiograms demonstrated complete obliteration of the fistula in 11 patients and partial occlusion in one. One patient had Onyx embolization-related complication of transient hemi-facial hypoesthesia. CONCLUSION The Arterial balloon provides protection of intracranial artery and reduction of arterial flow in Onyx embolization of DAVF. This complementary method brought high cure rate.