Glue (NBCA) may be used to treat rare congenital vascular conditions called AVMs or arteriovenous malformations. In dural AV fistula embolization , the arteries in the brain are connected abnormally to veins not by normal capillaries but by arteriovenous fistulas. These fistulas can empty the arteries of blood before cerebral circulation is completed.
Abnormal emptying of blood between arteries and veins can cause headaches, hemorrhage, seizures, and strokes. They may also cause neurological symptoms impacting memory, movement, vision or speech. Glue can be used to block blood flow to the affected area or to fill the fistula to prevent ruptures.