Minimally invasive surgical closure of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: The treatment of a spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) via a minimally invasive approach utilizing a tubular retraction system is described. CLINICAL PROBLEM: Spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas are treated by either direct surgical obliteration or endovascular embolization to close the fistula. Surgical treatment traditionally requires a full or hemi-laminectomy with intradural exposure and obliteration of the draining vein of the fistula. TECHNIQUE: Surgical treatment is performed via a targeted, minimally invasive approach to close the draining vein of the DAVF intradurally utilizing a tubular retraction system. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of spinal DAVFs can be performed in a targeted, minimally invasive manner with a short operative time and minimal tissue disruption.