Superselective transvenous embolization with Onyx and n-BCA for vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations with restricted transarterial access: safety, efficacy, and technical aspects

Abstract

Purpose and methods: Superselective transvenous embolization (TVE) with liquid embolic agents is a new concept in treatment of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations (VGAM). We performed ten sessions of TVE in VGAM patients with restricted transarterial access. In this paper, we assessed clinical and angiographic outcomes of the proposed treatment and discussed three different TVE techniques with regard to morphology of the shunt and outflow tract. Safety and avoidance-of-complication tips were also discussed.

Results: Patient age ranged from 4 to 51 months. There were eight patients with choroidal VGAMs, seven of them were successfully treated with Onyx, and in one case, transvenous catheterization failed. In three cases, adjunctive coiling of draining vein was performed. In three cases, normal deep cerebral veins were connected to the outflow part of malformation; they were preserved during embolization in all cases. Six-month follow-up angiography demonstrated angiographic cure in six cases, and partial occlusion in one. There were two patients with mural VGAMs: both were treated with n-BCA. Partial occlusion was achieved in both cases. There was no procedure-related permanent morbidity or mortality. Oculomotor deficit due to quadrigeminal ischemia occurred in one case, and resolved completely after 3 weeks.

Conclusion: TVE with liquid embolic agents is a safe and effective salvage method for VGAMs with restricted transarterial access, previously considered as poor candidates for endovascular treatment.

Keywords: Endovascular embolization; Onyx; Transvenous; Vein of Galen malformation.