OBJECTIVETo report our clinical experience of using Onyx, a new liquid embolic agent, to treat cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) as well as its efficacy.

METHODSSeventy cases were placed with 6F sheath in the femoral artery after Seldinger puncture and 6F guiding catheter was introduced into the internal carotid artery or vertebral artery, then a microcatheter was navigated into the nidus of AVMs. Slow injection of Onyx under fluoroscopic control was performed to embolize cerebral AVMs using the "plug and push" technique.

RESULTSThirteen AVM cases (18.6%) were totally occluded by Onyx and 5 cases of which didn't recurrence at 6-month after operation. Thirty-eight cases (54.3%) were subtotally occluded, while another 19 cases (27.1%) were partially embolized. Severe cerebral hemorrhage occurred in 4 cases, 2 of which had mild to severe hemiplegia after operation, and one died. Mild hemiplegia was also found in 1 case due to functional area embolization, and visual field deficit in 2 cases.

CONCLUSIONSOnyx has unique and distinctive superiority in treating cerebral AVMs. Nonetheless, the correct embolization technique should be learned to achieve good clinical results and avoid complications.