How I do it: surgical resection of micro-arteriovenous malformations

Background: Micro-arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a subgroup of AVMs with a nidus smaller than 1- cm. As such, intraoperative localization of micro-AVMs can be challenging. Once identified intraoperatively, however, treatment of the micro-AVM is often straightforward. Method: We discuss and illustrate the fundamental imaging and intraoperative steps to localize micro-AVMs with the aid of an illustrative clinical case. Conclusion: Micro-AVMs can be challenging to localize intraoperatively. With the aid of anatomical, clinical, and intraoperative findings, the micro-AVMs small draining vein can be localized and traced in a retrograde fashion to identify and remove the micro-AVM.