Intra-operative combustion of Onyx embolic material

Abstract

We report a case of dangerous combustion of Tantalum/Onyx embolic agent when exposed to mono-polar diathermy during subsequent surgical resection of a partially embolised arteriovenous malformation. Surgeons should be aware that previous embolisation of a vascular malformation may make use of diathermy problematic if subsequent surgical management is required.

Key words:

• Arteriovenous malformation
• embolisation
• complications
• Onyx