Symptoms

Symptoms usually derive from malformation growth or progression. Once symptoms occur, they rarely abate without intervention.

​

Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Pain

• Swelling

• Bleeding

• Ulcerations

• Neuropathy

• Disfigurement

• Skin Discoloration 

• Decreased Range of Motion

• High Output Cardiac Failure 

Treatment Course

• Evaluation, arteriogram and treatment of the arteriovenous malformation every 4-6 weeks or sooner if indicated by Dr. Yakes.

• Patient may qualify for multiple procedures a week if requested by Dr. Yakes.

• MRI every 12 months based on the extent of the arteriovenous malformation.

• Referral to plastic/vascular surgeon following "cure" of malformation. An MRI and arteriogram 3-6 months post embolization will be needed for clearance by Dr. Yakes for debulking surgery. 

How to Diagnose

Diagnosis is commonly made with a form of radiology imaging combined with a clinical assessment. 

​​

Radiology imaging can include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)​

• Arteriogram (Mapping of the arteries)

  • Evaluates the extent of arterial involvement

​​

• On initial treatment only:

  • Venogram (Mapping of the veins)

    • Evaluates the extent of venous involvement

Possible Complications of Treatment

• Tissue Injury

  • Blisters

  • Open Wounds

• Infection

• Nerve Injury Due to Swelling

  • 99% improves when swelling resolves

  •  1%  nerve damage will be permanent

• Blood Clot

• DVT

• Stroke

• Hemorrhage/Bleeding

  • Very Rare​

​​

Complications will be thoroughly discussed during formal consultation with medical staff as they may differ based on anatomical location. 

How We Treat

• Ethanol Embolization

  • Dr. Yakes will inject ethanol using direct puncture and/or transcatheter techniques into the arteriovenous malformation.

    • Ethanol is a powerful sclerosing agent that denatures blood proteins and destroys the endothelial cells in the vessel wall effectively destroying the abnormal vascular mass and preventing its ability to regenerate.

• Coils

  • Dr. Yakes will implant coils, either by direct puncture or transcatheter techniques, into the arteriovenous malformation with subsequent ethanol after coils are implanted if needed.

• Ethanol and/or coils are the only curative method for treating arteriovenous malformations

• All embolizations, venograms, and arteriograms are done under general anesthesia. 

Before & After Gallery

Coming Soon!