Dural arteriovenous fistulas can lead to catastrophic intracranial hemorrhage if left untreated. Transvenous embolization can cure arteriovenous fistulas, but preserving normal venous structures can be challenging. Inadvertent embolization of a functioning vein can result in catastrophic venous infarction or hemorrhage. Here, we report a case using balloon-assistance to facilitate preservation of the superior petrosal sinus during transvenous embolization of a sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula.
Keywords: Coil embolization; balloon protection; dural arteriovenous fistulas.