AVM Patient Info
Your doctor has recommended you for arteriovenous malformation (AVM) embolization. AVMs of the brain or spine are abnormal connections between arteries and veins. Embolization is a method of plugging the blood vessels of the AVM. Franklin Moser, MD, Chief of Interventional Neuroradiology leads our team of imaging physicians, nurses and technologists who specialize in this procedure.
Before Arriving for Your Procedure
- A member of our team will contact you the day before your exam (between 4:30 and 6:30 pm) to give you instructions on how to prepare and what time you should arrive. If you are not contacted, please call (310) 423-4125 early in the morning of your procedure (such as 6 am).
- You should have your doctor's office fax all orders and lab results to Cedars-Sinai the day before your procedure. The fax number is (310) 423-0108.
- You should plan to arrive two hours before your scheduled procedure (three hours if you have not had all your pre-op lab work done.)
- You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure.
- You should consult with your physician about taking your regular medications before your exam. Some medications (such as the blood thinners Coumadin or Plavix) should not be taken before your procedure.
- You will not be allowed to drive after the procedure, so please arrange for someone to help you get home.
- We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Please consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass any time you may need to wait.
- Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home and please wear comfortable clothing.
After Arriving
- You will meet with an imaging physician who will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.
- After this discussion, you will be asked to sign a consent form for the procedure.
- You must notify the nurse, technologist, and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, or if you are pregnant, prior to your exam.
- A small sample of blood will be drawn for testing.
After Your Procedure
- If your home is more than an hour's drive from the hospital, you may need to stay overnight.
- Your physician will be sent the results of your test and will discuss the results with you and what they mean for your future treatment.
- To request copies of your pictures on a PC-compatible CD, or of your report, please call (310) 423-8000.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (310) 423-8000.