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Ethanol embolization of vascular malformations
W F Yakes1, J M Luethke, S H Parker
1Department of Radiology, Fitzsimons Army Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045-5001.
Summary
Absolute ethanol effectively treats symptomatic vascular malformations (SVMs) when other methods fail. This embolization therapy provides persistent occlusion and is a viable treatment option for complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Symptomatic vascular malformations (SVMs) present challenges when standard treatments like surgery or embolotherapy are ineffective or not feasible.
- Absolute ethanol embolization offers an alternative for patients with complex venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations, and arteriovenous fistulas.
Observation:
- Twenty patients with previously untreatable SVMs underwent embolization with absolute ethanol.
- Large, complex lesions necessitated staged, multiple embolization procedures.
Findings:
- Immediate thrombosis was achieved in all treated patients.
- Follow-up in 19 patients confirmed persistent occlusion of the vascular malformations.
- Minor complications occurred in 13% of cases, managed conservatively.
Implications:
- Absolute ethanol embolization, when performed with strict technique, is an efficacious treatment for SVMs.
- This method is emerging as a definitive therapeutic option for managing complex vascular malformations.