Summary The first known use of Onyx delivered via a dual lumen balloon catheter is reported. A mandibular arteriovenous malformation was successfully embolized with Onyx via an Ascent balloon catheter.

Case presentation A teenage girl presented with facial deformity and episodes of oral bleeding. Angiogram showed an extensive left mandibular arteriovenous malformation with ectatic intraosseous venous pouches. A dual lumen Ascent balloon catheter was placed in the inferior alveolar artery. With balloon inflation, Onyx was injected transarterially with excellent penetration into the venous puches. There was closure of over 80% of the lesion with reduction in arteriovenous shunting.

Conclusion Onyx embolization via a dual lumen balloon catheter allows for great penetration without the necessity of the long plug creation process for the usual ‘plug and push technique’ or the use of detachable tip microcatheters. The technique is limited by the deliverability of the balloon catheter, and is safest in the external carotid circulation.