Electrothrombosis of Ateriovenous Malformation

An electrothromosis technique was employed for the treatment of large or deep-seated arteriovenous malformation with the use of a newly devised stereotactic apparatus and electrode holder. Beryllium copper wire needles were inserted into the feeding artery and nidus by control operative angiography. The number of electrodes depend on the size of the angioma. In large arteriovenous malformation, 30 to 60 electrodes are needed. A positive direct current of 2 to 10 mA was applied for a period of 30 to 60 minutes until thrombus formation is angiographically confirmed. Four cases of scalp cirsoid angioma were successfully treated by this method. Two cases of thrombosed cerebral aerteriovenous malformation were radically removed without being interrupted by bleeding. Two patients with deep-seated arteriovenous malformations were treated by a combination of conventional craniotomy and stereotactic method with electrothrombosis. A case of recurrent carotid cavernous fistula was also treated successfully with this method.