Transarterial embolization of a high-flow maxillary arteriovenous malformation fed by multiple arteries

A high-flow maxillary arteriovenous malformation fed by multiple arteries, including bilateral internal maxillary arteries and ophthalmic artery, is reported. A combination of polyvinyl alcohol particles and N-butyl-cyanoacrylate mixed with lipiodol was progressively deposited within the distal vascular bed by transarterial superselective embolization of the branches of bilateral internal maxillary arteries, resulting in complete anatomic and clinical cure. The authors feel that this approach is more secure and effective compared with transfemoral venous embolization and direct transosseous puncture. It also avoids mutilating surgery. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2009; 108: e17-e21)