What is an AVF?
A dural (dAVF) or pial (pAVF) arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal direct connection (fistula) between an artery and a cortical vein or dural venous sinus. Depending on which veins are involved, AVFs may be at high risk for bleeding in the future. Some AVFs are not at risk for bleeding but can cause annoying symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Like other vascular malformations, an AVF can be treated endovascularly with embolization using liquid embolics, such as Onyx and n-BCA, by open surgery, or by gamma knife radiosurgery. Sometimes these lesions are treated by a combination of these three therapies.
AV Fistula before and after treatment
