Percutaneous cryoablation of symptomatic localized venous malformations: preliminary short-term results

Short-term outcomes after percutaneous image-guided cryoablation of symptomatic venous malformations in four consecutive patients (mean age, 42.5 y) are reported. Two patients had local recurrences after previous treatment. Mean preoperative pain was estimated on a visual analog scale at 5 (range, 3-7). Cryoablation was performed in a single session under general anesthesia. Postoperative pain and superficial edema disappeared within 2 weeks. No pain was subsequently reported, and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a significant volume decrease at 3 months (75%; P = .01) and at 6 months (95%; P = .01). Percutaneous cryoablation shows promising local control in patients with symptomatic venous malformations.