An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a complex mass of abnormal arteries and veins located in the brain or spinal cord. A dural arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a complex mass of abnormal blood vessels creating an interruption and opening of the dura (the leathery covering over the brain). During surgery, it is often difficult to control bleeding from an arteriovenous malformation or dural arteriovenous fistula.
Endovascular neurosurgery techniques can be used to deliver materials to block the flow of blood to abnormal arteries. In some cases, an inoperable arteriovenous malformation even can be surgically removed after endovascular treatment.
Certain portions of an arteriovenous malformation can be targeted for occlusion (blockage of bloodflow). Endovascular treatment can be used to block blood flow to portions of the arteriovenous malformation that cannot be reached surgically. Some arteriovenous malformations and many dural arteriovenous fistulas can be cured using endovascular techniques. In such cases, patients may no longer need conventional surgery.
Research is currently underway to evaluate the use of liquid adhesive to embolize (cut off the blood supply to) arteriovenous malformations.
