Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas

Treatment

Mayo Clinic doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists), brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeons), brain imaging (neuroradiologists), and other areas work together to treat dural arteriovenous fistulas and other neurological conditions.

Mayo Clinic doctors will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

• Endovascular procedures. In an endovascular procedure, your doctor may insert a long thin tube (catheter) into a blood vessel in your leg or groin and thread it through blood vessels to the dural arteriovenous fistula using X-ray imaging. Your doctor inserts the catheter into the blood vessel that leads to the dural arteriovenous fistula and releases coils or a glue-like substance to block the abnormal connection in the blood vessels.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery. In stereotactic radiosurgery, your doctor uses precisely focused radiation to block the abnormal connection in the blood vessels.
• Surgery. Your surgeon may perform surgery to disconnect the dural arteriovenous fistula.