Curative embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with Onyx in 101 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Onyx has emerged in the recent years as a new embolic material. We present our experience with Onyx in the curative embolization of brain cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the files of all patients that we had treated with Onyx embolic material for a brain AVM during the last 4 years. We identified 101 patients who underwent a total of 219 sessions of embolization.

Results: The treatment has been concluded in 52 patients; in this group, total occlusion was obtained in 28 (53.9%) patients and near-total occlusion was obtained in 18 (34.6%). The respective figures based on the 101 patients of the study cohort are 28/101 (27.7%) and 18/101 (17.8%). More embolization sessions are to be carried out on the remaining 49 patients. There were three deaths, and eight patients had permanent neurological deficits with a resulting morbidity of 8% and mortality of 3%.

Conclusion: High rates of total or near-total occlusion of brain AVMs can be achieved with multiple sessions of Onyx embolization with acceptable morbidity and mortality.