Transfrontal sinus approach for an anterior cranial fossa, ethmoidal, dural arteriovenous fistula

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ethmoidal dural arteriovenous fistulas (eDAVFs) are usually approached via a pterional or a frontal craniotomy. A more direct route to the fistula is possible through a purely transfrontal sinus approach. The aim of this report is to illustrate the interest of transsinus frontal approach for eDAVFs. CASE DESCRIPTION: The transfrontal sinus approach is described and illustrated in a case of an ethmoidal arteriovenous fistula. This approach is the most direct when treating an eDAVF surgically, allowing preserving neural structures with minimal to no brain manipulation. CONCLUSION: For eDAVFs, the purely transfrontal sinus approach is highly worth considering in cases of large frontal sinuses.