Arteriovenous malformations: complications of surgical intervention and implications for nursing

Arteriovenous malformations occur in approximately 4 percent of the population and are frequently seen in young adulthood. Controversy exists in the neurosurgical community as to the management of arteriovenous malformations; the four most common methods are medical management, radiation, embolization, and surgical intervention. Complications occur frequently regardless of the treatment selected. These complications are discussed using a selected patient population and case studies. Nursing diagnosis is used and a plan of care formulated for each problem. A one-year follow-up status will also be given for the selected patient population.