Treatment

Congenital lesions are stationary. Surgery is rarely necessary unless there is severe deformity or recurrent haemorrhage.

Acquired lesions tend to be progressive. Surgery is indicated.

• the vessels are separated and ideally, repaired by suturing after excising any intervening sac. If this is not possible, the artery and vein involved are ligated above and below the lesion (quadruple ligation).
• other treatment options include covered stent and coil embolization

Reference:

• (1) Nagpal K, Ahmed K, Cuschieri R. Diagnosis and management of acute traumatic arteriovenous fistula. Int J Angiol. 2008;17(4):214-6