Total removal of an arteriovenous malformation embedded in the brain stem

The removal of brain stem arteriovenous malformations is one of the most challenging problems in neurosurgery. The authors report a successful total removal of an arteriovenous malformation situated in the middle cerebellar peduncle, which was embedded in the floor of the fourth ventricle. The importance of dissection "flush" with coils of an arteriovenous malformation is stressed.