title: Transarterial balloon-assisted glue embolization of high-flow arteriovenous fistulas.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We report here our experience in treating high-flow arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) of the brain and spine using balloon-assisted glue injection.
  
  
  METHODS
  During a 3-year period (2003-2005) five patients with high-flow AVFs were treated at our hospital using transarterial balloon-assisted glue injection. There were two pial AVFs, one dural AVF, one vein of Galen malformation and one perimedullary AVF of the cervical spine. All patients were clinically followed-up for 12-48 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Immediate angiographic obliteration was achieved in all patients. The fistulas remained closed in all patients, as ascertained by follow up-angiograms. No new neurological deficits related to the procedure were detected. Clinically, one patient with severe pre-treatment neurological deficit experienced excellent recovery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transarterial balloon-assisted glue embolization of high-flow AVFs is a feasible and efficient treatment. This technique affords more control in the glue injection and minimizes the risk of distal embolization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery and Interventional Neuroradiology, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Center of Athens HYGEIA, Erythrou Stavrou 4, 15123 Marousi, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Andreou
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ioannidis
authors.forename: Nickolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Nasis
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001164:Arteriovenous Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D021721:Balloon Occlusion / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002533:Cerebral Angiography; D002648:Child; D003487:Cyanoacrylates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003487:Cyanoacrylates; C421460:glubran; D007459:Iodized Oil