Use of Onyx (a patented ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer formulation) embolisation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations in Hong Kong: Initial experience

Abstract

Objective: To review the experience with Onyx embolisation of cerebral arteriovenous malformation. Design: Prospective study. Setting: A regional neurosurgical centre in Hong Kong. Patients Data of patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformation who underwent Onyx embolisation over a 14-month period were prospectively collected. Results: Eleven sessions of Onyx embolisation were performed in nine patients with cerebral arteriovenous malformations, seven of which had ruptured. Total occlusion was achieved in three (33%) of the patients, and subtotal occlusion (over 80% occlusion) in three out of four with Spetzler-Martin grade-III/IV malformations. One patient developed mild permanent neurological deficit. Conclusion: Onyx embolisation of cerebral arteriovenous malformations is feasible in Hong Kong. Careful patient and target selection are important.