How I do it: surgical resection of micro-arteriovenous malformations

• DOI: 10.1007/s00701-025-06455-1
• Publication Date: 2025-02-13T08:06:52Z
• Authors: Sergio Corvino; A. Yohan Alexander; Giuseppe Lanzino

Abstract

Background Micro-arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a subgroup of AVMs with a nidus smaller than 1- cm. As such, intraoperative localization of micro-AVMs can be challenging. Once identified intraoperatively, however, treatment of the micro-AVM is often straightforward.

Method We discuss and illustrate the fundamental imaging and intraoperative steps to localize micro-AVMs with the aid of an illustrative clinical case.

Conclusion Micro-AVMs can be challenging to localize intraoperatively. With the aid of anatomical, clinical, and intraoperative findings, the micro-AVMs small draining vein can be localized and traced in a retrograde fashion to identify and remove the micro-AVM.