[Cervical arteriovenous fistulas after internal jugular catheterization].

The vertebral artery and vein are mostly involved, but other sites exist, especially between the inferior thyroid artery and the internal jugular vein. Five cases were treated in our department. All the fistulas were closed by percutaneous transarterial occlusion with a detachable balloon. The mechanisms of fistula formation are discussed. The different therapeutic methods (surgical ligature and endovascular occlusion) are discussed. It would appear the endovascular method gives the best results.