EVALUATION OF PRESSURE CHANGES IN FEEDING ARTERIES DURING EMBOLIZATION OF INTRACEREBRAL ARTERIOVENOUS-MALFORMATIONS

The pressure in 47 arteries feeding 21 arteriovenous malformations (AV M's) was investigated during transarterial embolization using a Tracke r-18 microcatheter. On average, systolic pressure increased by 22 mm H g. In AVM's with single or few feeders, embolization was usually achie ved well; in contrast, giant AVM's with multiple feeders and a large a rteriovenous shunt were poorly embolized. However, large AVM's with we ll-demarcated components may be reduced by embolization to an appropri ate size for surgery or stereotactic radiation therapy. It was found t hat the feeding artery pressure increased significantly more in well-e mbolized than in poorly embolized cases. Measurement of the feeding ar tery pressure clarified the hemodynamics of AVM's and facilitated more successful embolization.