[A successful transcatheter embolization with occluding spring emboli for vertebral arteriovenous fistulas following insertion of Swan-Ganz catheter].

Vertebral arteriovenous fistulas caused by insertion of percutaneous monitoring catheter through internal jugular vein are rare complications. This is a case report of a successful treatment by transcatheter embolization using spring occluder for the fistulas. Particular attention should be paid to the following: Normal basilar and contralateral vertebral arteriograms are prerequisites to this procedure in order to avoid its potential neurological hazards. For the complete elimination of the fistulas with retrograde filling, embolic material should be placed in the artery not only proximal but also distal to the fistulas opening.