Postcatheterization radial arteriovenous fistula: balloon-assisted direct percutaneous embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate and 50 % glucose solution in two sessions

We report an iatrogenic radial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in a 74-year-old woman presenting with right radial bruit and pain 8 months after sheath removal for cardiac catheterization. She refused surgical ligation and underwent balloon-assisted direct percutaneous embolization of the draining vein with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). Another draining vein that developed immediately after the procedure was conservatively treated with 1 month of continuous band compression. However, its diameter gradually increased and, as the patient desired complete remission, an additional procedure was conducted 2 months after initial treatment. A second balloon-assisted direct percutaneous embolization was performed using a 50 % glucose solution, which resulted in complete resolution. Although surgical repair is considered to be the standard treatment, in patients where surgery is not indicated, endovascular intervention—although complicated—may be an alternative treatment modality.