Dr. Suen told me that when all of the AVM experts come to Arkansas in early April they will be working on creating a protocol for the treatment of AVMs. He explained that it is typical for patients to receive embolization if they go to a facility that has a strong Neuro interventional radiology department vs. surgery if there is an experienced surgeon. Very few hospitals have a fully integrated program like the one at University of Arkansas Medical Center.
This is why I cancelled my appt at Mayo. I asked how it was evaluated and they said they just assign a doctor and he would look at it at my appt and then decide best plan of action. When I went to KU Med the surgeon said he couldn’t operate on it so he sent me to radiation oncologist. At that appt he said it was too large for GK and sent me intervention radiologist who couldn’t tell me anything.
When I went to UTSW Dr. Samson said he could do surgery but they would meet the next day with the whole team and then decide together what options I had. He could only speak about surgery and the rest of the team will provide their knowledge to come up with options. Wow what a novel idea. Have a team of different specialities meet together to discuss it. That it what every place should do.
Robin
Yes, treatment should be determined by the characteristics of the individual avm, not by whatever is most convenient (or profitable) for the hospital.