Treatments
The treatment that I have always had for this AVM, is called Embolization. It is a procedure performed by interventional radiologists using various types of embolic agents to close off vessels. They use a catheter to insert the embolic agent to the selected vessel. Currently with Dr. Yakes the majority of my treatments involve ethanol as the preferred agent to permanently scar the endothelial cells.
My prior embolizations were primarily a combination of glue, beads, and coils. The difference is that these agents were primarily palliative and allowed recanalization and neovascularization. The scarring caused by the alcohol prevents this.
From a patient point of view, the treatment consists of being put under anesthia, waking up with a small incision at the groin (carotid artery) and often direct punctures to the AVM area. Arteriogams and angiograms are performed as part of the procedure. My treatments in Denver to date have all been outpatient procedures. As long as there are no complications during the treatment, I am able to breath with no issues, eat, drink, and use the restroom, I'm allowed to go "home" to my hotel the same night. There is always swelling and pain associate with the treatment which typically is reduced within 7-10 days. Blistering and tissue necrosis are among the potential side effects and risks.
For a more "medical" explanation of the embolization process check out the following links-
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cathembol&bhcp=1