Photocoagulation of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations and Arterial Aneurysms with the Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet or Argon Laser: Preliminary Results in Twelve Patients

Abstract

Abstract Six arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and five arterial aneurysms (AAs) were treated with either argon or neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser irradiation; one AVM was treated with both. All AVMs were occluded completely, leaving adjacent tissue untouched and preserving the regional vascularization. Photocoagulation produced varying effects on AAs: in one case an intraoperative rupture was sealed, in two cases the volume of an ectasia was reduced when the bleeding and thinner areas were coagulated, and in one case a saccular aneurysm was progressively and completely obliterated while the patency of the parent artery was preserved. These preliminary results are satisfactory; more experience will indicate how and when these new techniques can replace traditional ones or be used in combination with them.