Transcatheter embolization treatment of coronary arteriovenous fistulas.

Transcatheter coronary arteriovenous fistula occlusion was performed in 5 children with a median age of 5.3 years (range, 0.7 to 11 years). Surgical ligation had been carried out previously in one case, but recanalization occurred during follow-up. Dilation of the feeding artery was observed in 4 patients, with an additional aneurysm of the coronary artery in one of these. Occlusion was attempted three times in 1 patient, twice in 2, and once in the other 2. Detachable balloons were used in 2 procedures, and controlled-release coils in 3. Complete occlusion of the fistula was achieved in 4 patients. In the 5th patient, occlusion of one of two fistulas was unsuccessful, and mild to moderate aortic valve insufficiency developed due to catheter manipulation. Our experience indicates that transcatheter occlusion of congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula is at least as successful as surgical intervention. Multiple occlusion procedures can be avoided by selecting the optimal technique in each case.