Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Overview

Dural arteriovenous fistulas are abnormal connections between an artery and the tough covering over the brain or spinal cord (dura) and a draining vein. Abnormal passageways between arteries and veins (arteriovenous fistulas) may occur in the brain, spinal cord or other areas of your body.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for dural arteriovenous fistulas

• Experience. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), brain and nerve surgery (neurosurgeons), and brain imaging (neuroradiologists) have experience evaluating and treating people who have dural arteriovenous fistulas and other neurological conditions.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and other doctors work together to treat your condition.
• Latest diagnostic tools. Mayo Clinic doctors use detailed imaging tests to diagnose dural arteriovenous fistulas and other neurological conditions. Tests may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA), computerized tomography (CT) scan, CT angiogram and catheter angiography.
• Efficient system. Mayo Clinic doctors evaluate your condition and develop a treatment plan, often within a few days.
• Surgical expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors and surgeons have expertise treating dural arteriovenous fistulas with open and minimally invasive procedures, including endovascular embolization, surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study new treatments for dural arteriovenous fistulas and other neurological conditions and conduct clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery.

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Read more about diagnosis and treatment of arteriovenous fistulas.