Clinical use of mechanical detachable coils for dural arteriovenous fistula.

Seven dural arteriovenous fistulas were successfully embolized with mechanical detachable coils. Two lesions were located in the transverse-sigmoid sinus, four in the cavernous sinus, and one in the marginal sinus. All lesions were completely occluded on postembolization angiography. No recurrent symptoms appeared during a mean follow-up period of 11 months. Owing to the length and retrievability of the mechanical detachable coils, embolization was quicker and safer, and coils were packed more densely, than is possible with conventional coils. Coil migration was avoided because coils of the appropriate size were chosen before they were placed.