Embolisation of vascular lesions of the head and neck

We reviewed 33 patients with vascular head and neck lesions treated by embolisation using a Tracker 18 catheter or direct needle injection. The lesions involved haemangiomas, venous malformations, extracranial arte-riovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous dural AVMs and ruptured dissecting or pseudoaneurysms. The cavernous dural AVMs were treated with radiation therapy in addition. We had a satisfactory outcome in 28 (85%) patients who underwent complete embolisation. No significant complications arose. These results suggest that embolisation therapy in the head and neck is an effective, safe and, in some cases, indispensable alternative.