# Transhepatic embolization of a pancreatico-duodenal arteriovenous malformation: Application of retrograde pressure cooker technique with ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer

**Authors:** Philip Nguyen Powanda, Elizabeth A. Rowland, Kevin Liu, Kenneth S. Zurcher

PMC · DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2026.02.051 · 2026-03-20

## TL;DR

A rare pancreatic arteriovenous malformation was successfully treated using a new embolization technique with coils and Onyx in a high-risk patient.

## Contribution

First successful application of retrograde pressure-cooker embolization with Onyx for a pancreatic arteriovenous malformation.

## Key findings

- Transvenous retrograde embolization via transhepatic approach achieved complete nidus obliteration.
- Modified pressure-cooker technique with coils and Onyx was effective in a complex, surgically unsuitable case.
- Staged interventions led to successful treatment of a Yakes type III arteriovenous malformation.

## Abstract

Pancreatic arteriovenous malformations are rare vascular anomalies that may present with gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, or portal hypertension. Their management is challenging, with surgical resection carrying a significant risk of morbidity. Endovascular embolization offers a less invasive alternative; however, success is often limited in cases with multiple arterial feeders. We present a 65-year-old woman with cirrhosis and upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from a Yakes type III pancreatic arteriovenous malformation. Given her poor surgical candidacy and complex arterial inflow, transvenous retrograde embolization via a transhepatic approach was performed using a modified pressure-cooker technique with coils and Onyx. Complete nidus obliteration was achieved following staged interventions. This represents the first reported successful use of a retrograde pressure-cooker technique with Onyx in a pancreatic arteriovenous malformation.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cirrhosis (MONDO:0005155), portal hypertension (MONDO:0005080)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** abdominal pain (MESH:D015746), upper (MESH:D012141), gastrointestinal bleeding (MESH:D006471), -duodenal arteriovenous malformation (MESH:D001165), cirrhosis (MESH:D005355), portal hypertension (MESH:D006975), vascular anomalies (MESH:D020785)
- **Chemicals:** Onyx (MESH:C020320)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13019489/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13019489