Transcatheter occlusion of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II.

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are a relatively uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition manifested by cyanosis, paradoxical embolization, brain abscess, and rupture. A variety of transcatheter closure devices have been used to occlude PAVMs however risks of device embolization, incomplete closure, or large delivery systems have made each of these methods sub-optimal. The Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP II) is a new multisegmented, woven nitinol cylinder that can be deployed through a small delivery catheter. The AVP II differs from the original AVP in having a finer, more tightly woven nitinol frame and three, rather than one occlusive segment. The authors report the first use of the AVP II for occlusion of bilateral large arteriovenous malformations in a patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.