Selective transvenous embolization of dural fistulas without occlusion of the dural sinus.

Two patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) and unsuccessful transarterial embolizations were treated with a technique for selective transvenous embolization. A 5F catheter was advanced from a femoral vein access into the internal jugular bulb and a catheter was navigated through the sinus lumen into the involved cortical veins or the parasinusal venous draining channels of the DAVFs. The venous recipients at the nidal level of the DAVFs were occluded by fibered platinum coils. Complete angiographic cure was effected in both patients, with occlusion of the venous recipients and the nidus, although the sinus segments next to the nidus of the DAVFs remained patent. Placement of coils in a transsinusal route into the venous channel of a DAVF yet outside the sinus lumen can result in complete obliteration of the fistula without damage to the physiological function of the dural sinuses.