Abstract
Successful embolization can be achieved only when the following three factors are correct and in co-operation: catheter tip position, flow control, and the setting time of normal-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA). Otherwise, the procedure may end with unsatisfactory results or complications. The current principle of safe and efficient embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is based on superselective cannulation of every strategically important feeding pedicle and injection of liquid em-bolic material under flow control. This study was based upon our experiences of embolizing 92 cases with cerebral AVM performed under the above conditions at our department. Results showed very en-couraging new observations with implications for further procedures: total removal of the AVM nidus after embolization was achieved in 90% of the cases, preradiosurgical embolization achieved 52% volume reduction and successfully maneuvered all cases into the gamma knife focal spot. Recently im-proved microcatheters with increased flexibility and minimal friction made it possible to place the tip of the microcatheter into the nidus with a higher success rate and better safety factors. In order to ob-literate a substantial amount of the AVM nidus and prevent penetration into the draining veins, the cre-ation of optimal flow status, and optimal setting time of NBCA have paramount importance.
