In endovascular embolization, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into a leg artery. The catheter is threaded through blood vessels to the brain using X-ray imaging. The surgeon positions the catheter in one of the arteries that feeds the AVM. An embolizing agent, such as small particles or a gluelike substance, is injected. The embolizing agent blocks the artery and reduces blood flow into the AVM.
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