Balloon protection of the vein of Labbé during embolisation of a dural arteriovenous fistula.

We describe a novel technique of vein of Labbé preservation using balloon protection during embolisation of a transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula. A patient with refractory Cognard type IV fistula of the left transverse-sigmoid sinus and persistent pulsatile tinnitus underwent successful embolisation of the lesion via transarterial route. During embolisation, a dual lumen balloon was simultaneously inflated within the vein of Labbé, at its orifice in the transverse-sigmoid sinus junction, to prevent embolic reflux. This allowed for liquid embolic embolisation of the fistula via the transarterial route resulting in complete occlusion. The patient recovered well with marked improvement of his tinnitus.