Venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: Preliminary experience using interlocking detachable coils

Purpose: To evaluate the indication and advantages of venous sac embolizati on of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) using interlocking deta chable coils (IDCs). Methods: We performed percutaneous embolization in 12 PAVMs in four patient s using IDCs, initially placed in the venous sac or at the feeding artery t o prevent systemic migration of additional coils. We placed the IDCs in the venous sac in PAVMs with the following vascular architecture: the draining vein was larger than the feeding arteries and both vessels were interposed with the venous sac or there were short feeding arteries. Results: Complete occlusion was achieved in all 12 PAVMs without significan t complications. We deployed IDCs in the venous sac in eight PAVMs and in t he feeding artery in four. Conclusion: Venous sac embolization may be beneficial in PAVMs with large o ut-flow vessels or short feeding arteries. IDCs are suitable for this proce dure.