Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Treatment

Advanced Technology That Improves Brain AVM Treatment Outcomes

Our goal is to safely remove or treat the AVM while protecting healthy brain function. Using advanced technology and a coordinated team approach, we select the treatment plan that offers the best possible outcome with the lowest risk.

• Functional brain mapping before surgery: We map critical areas of the brain, such as speech and movement, before treatment to help protect them during procedures.
• More treatment options with advanced embolization: Our specialists use minimally invasive techniques to reduce blood flow to the AVM, which helps make treatment safer and more effective.
• Real-time imaging and navigation during surgery: We use advanced imaging tools during procedures to guide every step with precision and help protect healthy brain tissue.
• Specialized neuro team focused on brain safety: Your care includes experts in neuro-anesthesia, intensive care and brain monitoring who work together to protect your brain throughout treatment.
• Advanced 4D Imaging for precise treatment planning: High-resolution imaging helps us target the AVM more accurately while minimizing impact on surrounding brain tissue.

Brain AVM Treatment Options 

UC San Diego Health offers advanced, multimodality treatment for cerebral arteriovenous malformations, evaluating each case to determine the safest and most effective approach.

Many AVMs are complex and need more than one type of treatment. Your care team may recommend combined (hybrid) treatment in a single session or staged treatment over several weeks or months.

We specialize in the following AVM treatments: 

Microsurgical Resection  

Microsurgical resection is a type of AVM surgery that removes abnormal vessels from the brain.  

During this open surgery — called a craniotomy — a small portion of the skull is temporarily opened. UC San Diego Health neurosurgeons use advanced imaging and precision techniques to safely remove the AVM while protecting surrounding brain tissue. This helps blood flow return to normal.  

This brain AVM treatment can provide an immediate cure for certain AVMs. It may be recommended when the AVM is small, easily accessible or has a higher risk of bleeding. 

Endovascular Embolization 

AVM embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces or stops blood flow to the AVM.  

During embolization, a neurointerventional specialist guides a thin catheter through the arteries to the AVM. A medical adhesive or special particles are released to reduce or block the abnormal blood vessels. 

Doctors use this procedure to shrink the AVM before surgery or radiosurgery, reduce bleeding risk, or as part of a staged treatment plan.  

Stereotactic Radiosurgery 

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a noninvasive outpatient procedure with no incision that uses high-intensity radiation to target the AVM. 

Despite the name, it does not involve traditional surgery. Over time, the blood vessels that feed the AVM scar and close. 

This procedure is often used for smaller AVMs or those located deep in the brain where open surgery may be riskier. It can be curative in carefully selected cases.

Follow‑Up Care and Imaging 

Follow-up care is an important part of treatment. Long-term care may include: 

• MRI or catheter angiography to confirm the AVM is gone or closed 
• Monitoring for rare recurrence or new symptoms 
• Medication to manage related symptoms 
• Physical, speech or occupational therapy when needed 

Our specialists coordinate follow-up care and imaging to ensure the best possible results.  

Meet Our AVM Team 

Our multidisciplinary team includes neurosurgeons, endovascular surgeons, neurologists, radiologists, neurointerventional specialists and nurses who specialize in the treatment of AVMs. This team approach, using the most advanced neuroimaging and monitoring technology available, helps us create personalized treatment plans.