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Comprehensive Endovascular and Open Surgical Management of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Published on: October 20, 2017
Management strategy for facial arteriovenous malformations
P S Bhandari1, L P Sadhotra, P Bhargava
1Department of Plastic Surgery, Armed Forces Medical College and Command Hospital (SC) Pune-40, India.
Summary
Facial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are best treated with super-selective embolization followed by complete resection. This combined approach yielded excellent cosmetic results with no complications in 20 patients.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular anomalies characterized by high blood flow.
- Craniofacial AVMs constitute approximately 50% of all AVM cases.
- Inadequate treatments like subtotal excision or proximal ligation can lead to AVM progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment protocol for facial arteriovenous malformations.
- To assess the cosmetic outcomes and complication rates associated with this treatment strategy.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 20 patients with facial AVMs underwent treatment.
- The protocol involved highly selective (super-selective) embolization of feeding vessels.
- Surgical resection was performed 24-48 hours post-embolization.
Main Results:
- The majority of treated AVMs (80%) were located in the cheek and lip regions.
- The combined embolization and resection technique resulted in no procedure-related complications.
- Excellent cosmetic outcomes were achieved for all patients.
Conclusions:
- Super-selective embolization followed by complete resection is an effective and safe treatment for facial AVMs.
- This treatment strategy offers superior cosmetic results compared to traditional methods.
- The protocol minimizes the risk of AVM recurrence and progression.
