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An arteriovenous malformation or an AVM is an abnormal formation of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, BYPASSING the capillary system. The blood vessels of an AVM are commonly dilated and weakened due to high blood pressure and an AMV may bleed. Bleeding from an AVM may cause damage to surrounding brain tissue and result in a hemorrhagic stroke.
An AVM can develop anywhere in the body but occurs most often in the brain or spine. AVMs are mostly congenital but not hereditary. They are believed to form during embryonic or fetal development.
AVM embolization is an endovascular treatment aimed to block blood flow in to an AVM and therefore reduce the risks of AVM bleeding.
In this procedure, a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery at the groin and threaded all the way to the brain AVM. The catheter is used to inject a special glue into the AVM. The glue hardens when it comes into contact with the blood and seals off the AVM from the blood flow.
AVM blood vessels do not supply normal brain tissue and therefore their blockage will not have any consequences on the patient.
AVM embolization is rarely successful on its own. It is useful, however, in conjunction with other procedures such as surgery or radiation. Performing AVM embolization PRIOR to surgical removal helps to reduce significantly the risk of AVM bleeding during surgery.