Use of balloon occlusion and substances to protect ischemic brain during resection of posterior fossa AVM. Case report.

The successful resection of a large posterior fossa arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is reported. A balloon catheter was used for temporary intraoperative occlusion of the basilar artery and feeding vessels of the AVM. Prior to occlusion of these arteries, newly tested substances to protect the ischemic brain were administered to prolong occlusion time. Resection of the AVM was completed without complication, and the patient returned to normal life. This is a useful intraoperative procedure for the resection of AVM's considered inoperable by conventional approaches.