Spinal Arteriovenous Fistula: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) have been categorized on the basis of the Anson and Spetzler classification into 4 types. Type I is the most common type and describes an abnormal connection between a radicular artery at the nerve root sleeve and an intradural draining vein. This communication results in progressive dilatation and mass effect from the draining vein experiencing arterial pressures without intervening arterioles. In this patient, preoperative angiography showed a type I dural AVF. A laminoplasty was performed to provide dural exposure, and a midline durotomy was performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography was used to visualize flow within the fistula. This dorsal dural AVF demonstrated the characteristic slow venous flow. Pressure recordings were obtained and confirmed the elevated venous pressure observed in these lesions. Bipolar coagulation of the fistulous point was performed, and the vessel was removed at the site of the root entry zone to permit pathologic confirmation of the arteriovenous interface. Intraoperative ICG angiography findings confirmed disconnection. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.