Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

What Are the Treatments for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations?

Brain arteriovenous malformations have three types of treatment methods.

Embolization is an endovascular technique that involves occluding (blocking) some or all of the AVM with a glue-like material. Embolization may be used as part of a preoperative procedure to help make the surgical removal of the AVM safer by reducing the potential blood loss during surgery. Embolization may also be used to shrink the AVM so that it is smaller and better able to be treated with stereotactic radiosurgery.

Surgical removal of the AVM employs microneurosurgical techniques to resect the AVM. Once removed, the AVM does not return. However, whether your AVM is a good candidate for microsurgical resection depends on a number of factors including the size, the location, and the site of the venous drainage.

Radiosurgery for AVM is generally a one-time treatment for smaller AVMs, but may require several sessions for larger AVMs. This alternative to invasive surgery uses x-ray or gamma-ray beams with pinpoint accuracy to target the malformation. Results are not immediate and can take up to 2 or 3 years to see complete occlusion of the vessels. During this time, the AVM may still be at risk for bleeding.

Radiosurgery is often a one-time treatment that shrinks the AVM by constricting the blood flow to the malformation.

• 3-D imaging for precise targeting of the tumor or lesion, both in preparation for the radiosurgery and for positioning during the session
• Immobilization of the patient to keep the targeting precise.
• Gamma-ray or x-ray beams with pinpoint accuracy.

Your specific AVM treatment plan may involve a blend of these techniques.