Interactive image-guided surgical resection of intracranial arteriovenous malformations

Surgical excision is the only treatment method that immediately prevents increased morbidity or mortality as a result of hemorrhage from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). For those lesions located deep within the cerebral hemispheres or near eloquent areas, conventional surgical resection may be associated with an unacceptable degree of morbidity and mortality. Herein we report our experience in the resection of these lesions using interactive image guidance. There were five women and five men in the patient group. Their age ranged from 16 to 73 years (mean = 41). Clinical presentation included hemorrhage (n = 7), headaches (n = 2), and seizures (n = 1). All lesions were classified using the Spetzler-Martin grading system as follows: grade I (n = 4), grade II (n = 5), and grade III (n = 1). The locations of the lesions were supratentorial (9) and infratentorial (1). Surgical planning was carried out using the Neurological Surgery Planning System software developed at Wayne State University. An infrared-based system was used to locate and define the lesion intraoperatively. For those lesions located near or within eloquent areas, an awake craniotomy with functional mapping was carried out. Clinical follow-up ranged from 3 to 62 months (mean = 34). Complete surgical excision was achieved in all patients, which was demonstrated postoperatively by digital substraction angiography. The preoperative neurological status remained unchanged in seven patients and improved in three. There was no associated morbidity and mortality with this technique. Image-guided surgical resection of arteriovenous malformations represents a valuable technique, especially in small deep-seated lesions and in those near eloquent areas.