Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM), Surgical Treatment of

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital vascular lesions composed of an abnormal tangle of blood vessels that can grow over time carrying significant morbidity and mortality. The natural course of these lesions is usually unpredictable and can be influenced by many factors. AVMs commonly become symptomatic with hemorrhage. Current practice emphasizes the importance of a case-by-case and multimodal approach to the treatment of these lesions. When possible, surgery remains the treatment of choice for many lesions. Staged embolization preceding surgery can be greatly beneficial. Embolization for cure is only possible in a minority of cases. Radiosurgery is primarily used for surgically inaccessible lesions.