Surgery is the traditional technique used to remove an AVM. It is often referred to as a craniotomy. This procedure is carried out by a neurosurgeon who will remove the AVM under general anaesthetic in theatre. Not all AVMs can be treated in this way. Your neurosurgeon will be in possession of a number of test results, enabling him/her to establish the exact size and location within the brain. The neurosurgeon will then decide if the AVM could be safely removed without serious complication. The chances of completely curing an AVM using surgical treatment are very high. When completely removed, the AVM will not recur.