Learn about Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Dural Arteriovenous Fistula and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

A dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) is an abnormal, direct connection between an artery and a vein within the tough outer covering of the brain or spinal cord (the dura mater). This condition disrupts normal blood flow, potentially diverting high-pressure arterial blood directly into low-pressure venous channels. In vascular surgery, treatment typically involves a precise procedure called endovascular embolization. This minimally invasive approach involves threading a thin catheter through the blood vessels to the site of the fistula, where specialized materials like coils, glue, or liquid embolic agents are deployed to block the abnormal connection and restore normal circulation. The goal is to eliminate the risk of hemorrhage, reduce neurological symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus or vision changes, and prevent progressive neurological deficits or life-threatening complications such as intracranial hemorrhage.

Key Highlights

    Minimally invasive endovascular approach often avoids open brain surgery.Effectively eliminates the abnormal connection to prevent life-threatening hemorrhage.Can significantly reduce or resolve symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus, headaches, and vision problems.Performed by highly specialized neurovascular surgeons and interventional neuroradiologists.Uses advanced imaging guidance for precise, targeted treatment.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Presence of a dAVF with cortical venous drainage (CVD), which carries a high risk of hemorrhage.
  • Progressive neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty with speech.
  • Intractable symptoms like pulsatile tinnitus (whooshing sound in the ear) or vision changes.
  • Evidence of venous hypertension or congestion in the brain or spinal cord.
  • Prior hemorrhage (bleeding) from the dAVF.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive diagnostic imaging, including cerebral angiography (the gold standard), MRI, or MRA.
  • Complete neurological examination and review of medical history.
  • Pre-operative blood tests and assessment of kidney function (for contrast dye).
  • Discussion of medications; may need to stop blood thinners (anticoagulants/antiplatelets) days before.
  • Fasting for several hours prior to the procedure as instructed.

Risks & possible complications

  • Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) from vessel injury or clot.
  • Bleeding or hematoma at the catheter insertion site (usually in the groin).
  • Infection, though rare with sterile technique.
  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during imaging.
  • Incomplete occlusion of the fistula, requiring further treatment.
  • Rarely, new neurological deficits if normal blood vessels are affected.
  • Kidney injury from contrast dye in patients with pre-existing conditions.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial monitoring in a recovery area, often requiring 4-6 hours of bed rest to prevent bleeding from the access site.
  • Hospital stay typically for observation, managing pain, and monitoring neurological status.
  • Instructions to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending for 1-2 weeks.
  • Follow-up imaging (like an MRA or angiography) is scheduled to confirm the fistula is closed.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the surgical team, with ongoing neurological assessments.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 2-4 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering dural arteriovenous fistula in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for dural arteriovenous fistula compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3,854 – USD 8,809 2-4 days ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization Know More
Turkey USD 28,685 – USD 65,565 2-4 days ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 3-6 months for full stabilization Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

Sara Khan, a 42-year-old high school...

Sara Khan, a 42-year-old high school biology teacher and mother of two, had always been active and healthy. For six months, she experienced a persistent, pulsatile whooshing sound in her right ear that synced with her heartbeat, especially noticeable at night. It was accompanied by increasing headaches and episodes of dizziness during her classes. Initially dismissing it as stress or an ear infection, she grew concerned when her concentration began to falter. An MRI ordered by her neurologist revealed a dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) near her right ear. The vascular surgeon, Dr. Evans, explained that this abnormal connection between an artery and vein in the dura mater was causing the tinnitus and posed a risk of hemorrhage. He recommended an endovascular embolization, a minimally invasive procedure to block the fistula. Sara was terrified of brain surgery but trusted Dr. Evans's calm explanation. The procedure itself, under sedation, was painless. The recovery in the hospital was smooth, with the whooshing sound gone immediately upon waking. Within a week, her energy returned and the headaches vanished. Emotionally, she journeyed from fear and frustration over the intrusive symptoms to profound relief and gratitude. She felt like herself again, able to fully engage with her family and students without the constant distraction and underlying anxiety.

Vascular surgeons for Dural Arteriovenous Fistula

Explore experienced vascular surgeons who regularly perform dural arteriovenous fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Samarth Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sriram Manchikanti
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanta Das
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Subhabrata Banerjee
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Anirban Chatterjee
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Jayanta Das
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Krishnendu Mukherjee
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Salman Qutub Khan
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shubhabrata Banerjee
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shubhabrata Banerjee
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Vascular surgeon
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

OPD-desk synced • Updated