ENDOVASCULAR TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC ARTERIOVENOUS-FISTULAS OF THE VERTEBRAL ARTERY

Cervical vertebral artery fistulas are rare arteriovenous malformation s between the vertebral artery and veins of the neighbourhood. The eti ology of the fistulas may be traumatic or spontaneous. Management and the results in two patients with large arterio-venous fistulas of the cervical vertebral artery with severe deterioration of spinal function by using the detachable balloon technique are discussed. Complete ang iographic and clinical cure was achieved in both patients and no compl ications related to the embolization procedure occured. The detachable balloon technique is an effective method for selective occlusion of t he fistula. Good radiographic monitoring facilities are required to ma ke endovascular procedures effective and safe.