Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (DAVF)
A dural arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection between arteries
and veins that occur along the inner lining of the skull. DAVFs can cause
headaches,
pulsatile tinnitus, seizures, eye redness and swelling, vision problems, headaches or seizures.
Some high-risk DAVFs can cause life-threatening bleeds.
The best treatment for DAVF is endovascular embolization with Onyx. Onyx
is a co-polymer that can be injected into a blood vessels via a special
catheter. When injected it is in liquid form, but it turns into a solid
plastic over the course of several minutes after contact with blood, and
allows the “plugging up” of the abnormal connections between
arteries and veins. Successful and safe treatment of DAVFs is possible
only with in-depth understanding of the vascular anatomy of the brain
and skull, a unique skill of interventional neuroradiologists at Hoag.