Polyvinyl foam embolization of vascular and neoplastic lesions of the head, neck, and spine.

Embolization of vascular and neoplastic lesions of the head, neck, and spine may be performed either as primary therapy (particularly for lesions which are difficult to approach surgically) or preoperatively to decrease blood loss. Polyvinyl alcohol foam (PAF) offers a number of advantages over other embolic material, including biocompatibility, promotion of progressive thrombosis and fibrosis, permanence, compressibility, and manageability. The clinical cases illustrate the kinds of lesions that are amenable to embolization, including arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, meningiomas, and nasopharyngeal tumors. Techniques and possible complications are discussed.