The use of the "cross over technique" in the management of a traumatic vertebro-vertebral fistula.

A case of dissecting stab wound injury to the right vertebral artery with a vertebro-vertebral fistula is reported. Since a complete occlusion of a VV-fistula was not possible from a proximal approach with detachable balloons only retrograde catheterisation of the right vertebral artery via the left vertebral artery was undertaken (cross over technique). The introduction of thrombogenic platinum-coils led to a successful and complete occlusion of the fistula.