Endovascular treatment of spinal AVM: report of two cases with transvenous approach in combination with retrograde pressure cooker technique

PURPOSE: Endovascular treatment of spinal AVMs is limited by low complete cure rates. Transarterial extensive treatment with liquid embolics carries the risk of clinically relevant ischemic complications. We report two cases of symptomatic spinal AVMs treated by a transvenous approach with retrograde pressure cooker technique.

METHODS: In two selected cases, transvenous navigation aimed at retrograde pressure cooker embolization.

RESULTS: Retrograde venous navigation was possible with two parallel microcatheters, and the pressure cooker technique with ethylenvinylalcohol-polymer was applicable in both cases. One AVM was occluded completely, and one subtotally due to a second draining vein. No clinical complications occurred.

CONCLUSION: A transvenous approach for embolization with liquid embolics may offer advantages in treating certain spinal AVMs.