Introduction: The study aims to demonstrate a combination of superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy as a feasible and effective new technological approach in treating high-flow vascular malformations of the head and neck region.
Patients and methods: In the patient with high-flow arteriovenous malformation of the lower lip, superselective catheterization was performed under general anesthesia. The microcatheter was used to administer 750 IU BLM intra-arterially into the feeding vessel. The whole malformation surface was then covered with 15 applications of electric pulses using the plate electrode.
Results: Excellent response, without functional or aesthetic deficits, was obtained in 10 weeks. During this period, debridement and necrectomy were performed regularly on follow-up visits. The pain was managed with oral paracetamol and sodium metamizole.
Conclusion: Combining electrochemotherapy using bleomycin with superselective catheterization and arteriography is a feasible treatment option for high-flow vascular malformations in the head and neck region and could play a significant role in managing these challenging lesions.
Keywords: AVM; bleomycin; electrochemotherapy; high-flow malformations; superselective catheterization.
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