Clinical application in the embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformation with onyx

Objective To summarize the embolization techniques and efficacy of cerebral arteriovenous malformation(CAVM) with a new liquid embolic agent(Onyx).Methods 6F sheath was inserted into femoral artery followed by 6F guiding catheter introduced into the internal carotid artery or vertebral artery,Ultraflow or Marathon micro-catheter could be navigated into the nidus of AVMs,then the Onyx was injected slowly into the cerebral AVM with theinject-back flow-stop-reinject technique.Results 30%～50% embolization were achieved in 7 cases,50%～80% in 8 cases,more than 80% in 6 cases.10 cases were treated by γ-knife after embolization.2 cases showed complete occlusion after radiosurgery.Conclusions Onyx has unique and distinctive superiority in treating cerebral AVMs.However,the embolization techniques should be well trained to get good results and avoid complications.The long-term efficacy of Onyx embolization needs to be followed up.