What is embolisation?

Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure performed in conjunction with a cerebral angiogram. Embolisation is used to block the blood supply to the AVM.

• It is performed by a specialist doctor called an interventional neuroradiologist (INR).

• A thin tube (catheter) is inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist.

• The catheter is guided into the blood vessels of the brain.

• A special material (such as glue, tiny coils, or particles) is injected to block the abnormal vessels.

• The aim is to reduce blood flow into the AVM, making it safer to treat or, in some cases, curing it.

 

Why might embolisation be recommended?

Your specialist may recommend embolisation if:

• The AVM has bled or is at risk of bleeding.

• It can be safely reached by catheter.

• In selected cases, embolisation alone may cure the AVM.

 

Note: Complete cure (full occlusion) with embolisation alone is uncommon for most AVMs.

• Reported cure rates are usually in the range of 10–30% overall.

• Small, compact AVMs with only a few feeding vessels have the highest chance of cure.

 

Most often, embolisation is used as an adjunct (to make surgery or radiosurgery safer and more effective), rather than a stand-alone cure.

 

Risks of embolisation are not negligible: stroke or neurological deficit occurs in about 5–10% of cases, though this varies with centre experience.

 

What are the possible risks and complications?

While embolisation is less invasive than surgery, it still carries risks, including:

• Stroke or weakness (if normal brain vessels are blocked)

• Bleeding in or around the brain

• Seizures

• Allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure

• Groin or wrist complications (bleeding, bruising, infection where the catheter was inserted)

Your doctor will explain your individual risks before the procedure.

 

What happens on the day?

• You will have a general anaesthetic (you will be asleep for the procedure).

• The procedure is done in a specialised x-ray theatre (angiography suite).

• It can take several hours depending on the complexity.

• Afterwards, you will be monitored in a high dependency or intensive care unit.

• Most patients stay in hospital for 1–3 days.

 

Recovery after embolisation

• You may have a headache or tiredness for a few days.

• Some patients experience temporary weakness, numbness, or vision changes.

• A follow-up scan (angiogram or MRI) is often done to check results.

• You will have follow-up appointments with your neurosurgical and radiology team.

 

Alternatives to embolisation

Depending on the AVM’s size and location, alternatives may include:

• Microsurgical resection (open surgery to remove the AVM).

• Stereotactic radiosurgery (precise radiation to shrink the AVM).

• Observation (monitoring with scans if the AVM is low risk).

 

FURTHER EXPLANATION: Embolisation alone is unlikely to result in a cure of your AVM.

Only 10-30% of brain AVMs will be cured with embolisation alone.

The risks of embolisation are generally around 5-10%.

 

Questions to ask your doctor

• What is the goal of embolisation in my case?

• What are the chances it will cure my AVM?

• What are the risks for me personally?

• Will I still need surgery or radiosurgery afterwards?

• How many procedures might I need?

• What will my recovery be like?

 

📌 Important note: This information is general and should not replace advice from your treating neurosurgeon or neuroradiologist. Always discuss your individual situation and treatment options with your specialist team.

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