Interdisciplinary treatment algorithm for facial high-flow arteriovenous malformations, and review of the literature

The treatment of HF-AVMs of the head and neck remains challenging due to high recurrence rates. In our cohort, following the Heidelberg treatment algorithm both surgical monotherapy and combined surgical and interventional therapy had very high success rates. For non-curative, symptomatic therapy, interventional treatment should be discussed in terms of the risk of growth induction of HF-AVMs. Findings from the literature concerning therapeutic strategies and success rates are in line with the developed Heidelberg treatment algorithm. However, a larger sample of patients will be necessary to prove the validity of this algorithm.