Neuro-Interventions for the Neonates with Brain Arteriovenous Fistulas: With Special Reference to Access Routes

Masaki Komiyama1, Aiko Terada, Tomoya Ishiguro

  • 1Department of Neuro-Intervention, Osaka City General Hospital.

Insights

Neonatal neuro-intervention for brain arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) is complex. Femoral arterial access is suitable for neonates >2,700g, but alternative routes are crucial for those <2,200g.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Pediatric Interventional Radiology
  • Vascular Surgery

Background:

  • Neonatal neuro-intervention presents unique challenges, particularly for brain arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs).
  • AVFs in neonates often manifest as severe cardiac failure, necessitating timely intervention.
  • Access route selection is critical for successful neuro-intervention in this vulnerable population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on neuro-intervention outcomes for neonates with brain AVFs.
  • To specifically analyze the effectiveness and challenges of various access routes in neonatal neuro-intervention.
  • To identify optimal access strategies based on neonatal birth weight.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of neuro-interventions in 15 neonates (within 14 days of life) with brain AVFs.
  • Analysis of diagnoses including vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, dural sinus malformations, pial AVF, and epidural AVF.
  • Detailed examination of access routes used (femoral arterial/venous, umbilical arterial/venous, transcardiac, direct carotid) and their success rates relative to birth weight.

Main Results:

  • All 15 neonates presented with severe cardiac failure.
  • A total of 29 interventions were performed.
  • Neonates >2,700g (n=12) were successfully treated via transfemoral arterial routes; those <2,200g (n=3) required alternative access routes.
  • Interventions utilized femoral arterial (19), femoral venous (3), umbilical arterial (2), umbilical venous (3), transcardiac (3), and direct carotid (2) routes.

Conclusions:

  • Transfemoral arterial access with a 4F sheath is feasible for neonatal neuro-intervention in infants >2,700g.
  • Alternative vascular access routes are essential for successful neuro-intervention in neonates weighing <2,200g.
  • Optimizing access strategies is key to improving outcomes in neonatal brain AVF treatment.