Curative embolization of cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) with Onyx in 101 patients

Introduction Onyx has emerged in the recent years as a new embolic material. We present our experience with Onyx in the curative embolization of brain cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Methods We retrospectively reviewed the files of all patients that we had treated with Onyx embolic material for a brain AVM during the last 4 years. We identified 101 patients who underwent a total of 219 sessions of embolization. Results The treatment has been concluded in 52 patients; in this group, total occlusion was obtained in 28 (53.9%) patients and near-total occlusion was obtained in 18 (34.6%). The respective figures based on the 101 patients of the study cohort are 28/101 (27.7%) and 18/101 (17.8%). More embolization sessions are to be carried out on the remaining 49 patients. There were three deaths, and eight patients had permanent neurological deficits with a resulting morbidity of 8% and mortality of 3%. Conclusion High rates of total or near-total occlusion of brain AVMs can be achieved with multiple sessions of Onyx embolization with acceptable morbidity and mortality.