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Treatment / Transarterial Liquid Onyx

If you have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF), there is an abnormal pathway directly from an artery to a vein. Another condition, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), is a group of abnormal blood vessels (arteries and veins). AVF is found I the covering of the brain or spinal cord while AVM can be found in the tissues throughout the body or in the brain. Bleeding from a burst AVM or AVF can cause disability or death.

Am I a Candidate?

Arteriovenous fisulae can initially be watched for signs of spontaneous closure. But with improved neurointerventional techniques and materials, closure of the abnormal vascular communication via transvenous embolization has become first line therapy.

Improved endovascular techniques have largely replaced surgical treatment approaches. The goal of endovascular embolization is to cause thrombosis to the fistula while preserving the patency of the internal carotid artery.

Transarterial Liquid Onyx Embolization

Successful embolization blocks abnormal blood flow from the artery into the vein in the case of AVF, or reduces pressure in the AVM. This significantly reduces the risk of rupture. The liquid Onyx agent, which hardens upon contact with blood, fills up space at the appropriate site to prevent abnormal blood flow. This kind of embolization procedure is considered minimally invasive, and uses image guidance to navigate the surgical glue through the major arteries of the body and does not require a craniotomy.

How is Onyx Embolization Performed?

Using x-ray guidance, the doctor will navigate a catheter through your body to the site of the abnormality and inject a liquid solvent and then onyx directly into the area. Once the area is filled up with the Onyx mixture, the catheter and wire will be removed. In some cases, a surgical balloon is inflated to block the access point of the blood flow so the liquid Onyx cannot leak into a healthy blood vessel.

Recovery

Elective Onyx embolization requires either a one or two day hospital stay. If your AVM or AVF has bled, you may stay longer to recover from the bleed. Most patients return to normal activity within a few days.

Transarterial Onyx embolization is an innovative and effective treatment that can prevent a life-threatening or debilitating brain bleed. If you have been diagnosed with an arteriovenous fistula or an arteriovenous malformation and are exploring your options for treatment, call IVC today at 503-612-0498 to schedule an appointment for consultation.

* This information about Transarterial Liquid Onyx was reviewed by Dr. Jason R. Bauer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.

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We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.

We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.

To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.

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Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.

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Jason Bauer, MD RVT
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