Cerebral arteriovenous fistula
What Is a Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula? A cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal direct connection between an artery and a vein in the brain. How Normal Blood Flow Works In a healthy circulatory system: Blood flows from arteries → capillaries → veins Capillaries slow blood flow so oxygen and nutrients can be delivered to brain tissue Veins then carry blood back to the heart What Happens in an AVF In a cerebral AVF: Blood bypasses the capillaries Blood flows directly from an artery into a vein This causes high-pressure arterial blood to enter veins that are not designed to handle it Over time, this abnormal circulation can: Reduce oxygen delivery to brain tissue Increase pressure inside veins Raise the risk of bleeding and neurological damage Cerebral AVFs may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Symptoms of a Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistula Symptoms vary depending on the size, location, and blood flow of the AVF. Some people have no symptoms initially, while others develop serious complications. Common symptoms include: Hemorrhagic stroke due to bleeding in the brain Sudden severe headache Weakness or numbness Difficulty speaking or moving Seizures Pulsatile tinnitus (a rhythmic “whooshing” sound in the ear) Audible bruit (a sound caused by turbulent blood flow) Neck or back pain Neurological deficits depending on the affected brain area Symptoms can worsen suddenly if bleeding occurs, which is a medical emergency. Causes of Cerebral Arteriovenous Fistulas Cerebral AVFs can develop for several reasons: Congenital Causes Abnormal blood vessel development during fetal growth Present at birth, though symptoms may appear later Acquired Causes Trauma (e.g., head injury, gunshot or stab wounds) Surgical or medical procedures involving blood vessels Vascular conditions, such as aneurysms or other malformations Spontaneous formation, especially in older adults Note: AVFs created surgically for dialysis are intentional and occur outside the brain. Cerebral AVFs are abnormal and potentially dangerous. Complications and Related Conditions If left untreated, a cerebral AVF can lead to serious complications: Brain Bleeding (Intracranial Hemorrhage) Veins exposed to high arterial pressure may rupture Can cause stroke, brain damage, coma or death Seizures Caused by irritation of brain tissue from abnormal blood flow or bleeding Heart Strain and Heart Failure Large AVFs force the heart to pump harder Over time, this can lead to high-output heart failure Blood Clots Turbulent blood flow increases clot formation Can result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism

Patients served
Countries
Clinics
Experienced doctors
Your Benefits and Guarantees with Amedical
Experience a seamless and secure breast lift journey with Amedical.Transparent Prices and Flexible Installment Plans
No hidden fees — only official clinic prices. You can pay for your breast lift directly at the clinic upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Verified Clinics and Doctors Only
Amedical is fully committed to your safety. We cooperate exclusively with medical institutions that meet high international standards in breast lift procedures and are licensed to serve international patients.
Free 24/7 Support Service
Amedical provides free expert assistance. Your personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, helping to resolve any issues. You are never alone on your breast lift journey.

Your personal AMedical medical coordinator
Supports you at every stage
Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
Ensures quick and convenient access to information
Loading clinics...
Our Trusted Doctors
Our doctors are highly skilled and experts in their fields.

PD Dr. med. Patrick Weber is a highly respected specialist in the implantation and revision of hip and knee endoprostheses. With extensive academic and surgical experience, he is recognized as one of Germany’s leading experts in modern joint replacement surgery. During his many years at the University Hospital of Munich (LMU) – Klinikum Großhadern, Dr. Weber served as Head of Hip Arthroplasty and Deputy Head of Knee Arthroplasty, gaining comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of endoprosthetic surgery—including highly complex cases such as hip dysplasia and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Expertise in Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (AMIS) For many years, Dr. Weber has specialized in the minimally invasive, muscle-sparing implantation of hip prostheses using the AMIS method. He is internationally regarded as a reference surgeon and instructor for this advanced technique, which supports faster recovery and improved mobility. Another major focus of his work is the revision and replacement of existing hip and knee implants, particularly in cases of loosening, pain, or implant failure. Key Areas of Specialization Dr. Weber’s surgical expertise includes: Hip replacement surgery using the AMIS approach Knee replacement surgery, including unicondylar (partial) knee prostheses Implantation of hip and knee prostheses in complex anatomical situations, such as: Hip dysplasia Post-traumatic arthritis Revision arthroplasty (exchange of hip and knee prostheses) Conditions Treated Dr. Weber provides expert care for patients with: Coxarthrosis (hip osteoarthritis) Gonarthrosis (knee osteoarthritis) Painful or loosened endoprostheses Femoral head necrosis (avascular necrosis) Academic & International Recognition With more than 150 scientific publications and international lectures, PD Dr. Weber is a regularly invited speaker at leading national and global congresses focused on joint replacement and endoprosthetics. His combination of surgical precision, minimally invasive expertise, and academic leadership makes him a trusted authority in advanced hip and knee arthroplasty.

Director of the Hip Center – ATOS Clinic Munich The Hip Center at ATOS Clinic Munich is led by Dr. med. Raimund Völker, a founding member of the clinic and one of the most experienced specialists in hip endoprosthetics worldwide. Dr. Völker is among the very few internationally recognized surgeons who exclusively dedicate their practice to hip surgery. This exceptional level of specialization provides significant advantages for patients, allowing for highly precise treatment planning, advanced surgical expertise, and consistently outstanding outcomes. With over 20 years of experience in both standard hip replacement and bone-preserving hip resurfacing, Dr. Völker offers each patient the most suitable procedure based on individual anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals. Excellence in Hip Arthroplasty & Implant Quality Unlike standard approaches that rely on routine implants, Dr. Völker uses only high-quality, long-established original prosthetic systems at ATOS Clinic. This ensures: Maximum implant durability Long-term safety Excellent functional results His philosophy combines proven methods with innovation to provide the best possible joint replacement strategy for every patient. Minimally Invasive & Muscle-Sparing Surgery Dr. Völker applies modern surgical techniques that are: Minimally invasive Muscle-sparing Bone-conserving These approaches support faster recovery, improved mobility, and enhanced joint stability. Together with individualized implant selection and early intensive physiotherapy, patients benefit from an optimized Fast Track Recovery program. Key Areas of Expertise & Procedures Dr. Völker’s clinical focus includes: Diagnosis and treatment of hip osteoarthritis and its causes Advanced cartilage treatment options, including MRI-based cartilage cell therapy Total hip replacement (total endoprosthesis) Hip resurfacing surgery following the McMinn method (BHR) Short-stem hip prostheses Minimally invasive hip replacement techniques Enhanced Recovery Programs (ERP) Computer-assisted navigation for surgical precision

Specialist in orthopaedics and accident surgery, sports medicine Medical Director ATOS Clinic Munich Prof. Dr. med. Mark Tauber provides the entire spectrum of modern shoulder surgery. His main focus is on the minimally invasive treatment of upper arm head fractures and the arthroscopic treatment of shoulder pathologies Range of Services: Implantation and replacement of shoulder prostheses Arthroscopic suture of the rotator cuff Revisions after failed rotator cuff rupture Care of upper arm head fractures and long-term consequences Arthroscopic and open shoulder stabilisation after dislocation Dislocations of the shoulder joint Early osteoarthritis of the shoulder, cartilage regeneration Calculus shoulder Frozen shoulder
Related Articles
Stay informed with our latest medical insights and health tips

The 7 Best and Cheapest Countries for Rhinoplasty Surgery
This article presents a carefully curated list of the seven best and most cost-effective destinations for rhinoplasty surgery.

Best and Cheapest Countries for Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy abroad has become a practical option in 2026 for patients seeking affordable, legal, and safer alternatives beyond restrictive healthcare systems. This guide compares the best and ch...

Best Parkinson's Disease Treatment Centers and Countries
This guide reveals where to get Parkinson's treatment that's both effective and budget-friendly, with details on clinic structure, treatment depth, and real patient advantages.
Country Treatment
Find the best treatment options available in your country.
Get a free consultation
Talk to our experts and discover the best solution for your needs completely free of charge.
