Treatment options

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins in the brain, bypassing the normal capillary network. They carry a risk of haemorrhage and may present with seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits.

Treatment may involve embolisation to reduce blood flow, microsurgery to remove the AVM, or stereotactic radiosurgery to gradually close the abnormal vessels. Decision-making is individualised and typically involves a multidisciplinary team.

The role of embolisation

Endovascular embolisation is often used as a standalone treatment or as a preliminary step before surgery or radiosurgery. Liquid embolic agents are delivered through a microcatheter to occlude feeding vessels and reduce the size and flow within the AVM, improving the safety and effectiveness of subsequent treatment.