Advancements in radiosurgery for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are complex vascular anomalies with high risks of hemorrhage and neurological deficits. The evolution of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) represents a significant advancement in their management, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical approaches. This study aims to evaluate recent developments in SRS techniques for treating AVMs by conducting an integrative literature review. Utilizing the PICO strategy, a systematic search was performed across databases like LILACS, MEDLINE, and SCIELO, focusing on clinical trials, observational studies, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The analysis revealed that while microsurgical excision remains a definitive approach, SRS—particularly with advanced systems like Gamma Knife, Linac, CyberKnife, and Zap-X—has shown promising results in reducing hemorrhage rates and lesion volumes with lower complications. The findings indicate that SRS, bolstered by improved imaging and radiation precision, provides a viable alternative to invasive methods, though its effectiveness varies among different systems. This review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach in AVM management, emphasizing tailored treatment strategies based on lesion characteristics and patient-specific factors.