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This page lists 6 arteriovenous malformation (avm) surgery doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.
About Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery doctors in Chennai, India
This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery doctors
FeaturedDr. Arul K
MBBS, MS, FRCS (Ed) — Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Neurosurgery Board Certification
Associate Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India27+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 27+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Associate Consultant in Neurosurgery at Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai, one of South India's leading multi-specialty hospitals.
- Has practised neurosurgery across India and Sri Lanka, gaining wide clinical exposure to diverse patient populations and case complexities.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumour Surgery
- Skull Base Tumour Surgery
- CP Angle Tumour Surgery
- Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 27+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. M. Anbuselvam
MBBS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India42+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 42+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Rela Hospital, Chennai — Current
- Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon, Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Chennai — November 2014 to January 2021
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumour Surgery
- Meningioma Surgery
- Craniotomy
- Cavernoma Surgery
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 42+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Dr. M Balamurugan
MBBS, DNB in Neurosurgery, FRCS, FAANS – Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Apollo Hospital, Chennai Chennai, India30+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 30+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai — current role spanning a distinguished tenure in advanced brain and spine surgery.
- Accumulated over 30 years of clinical neurosurgical practice, managing a high-volume caseload across oncology, cerebrovascular, pediatric, and spinal neurosurgery.
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Glioma Surgery
- Craniotomy
- Pediatric Brain Tumor Surgery
- Pediatric Hydrocephalus Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 30+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Apollo Hospital, Chennai
Dr. Muralidharan Vetrivel
Fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery, MCh Neurosurgery (6-Year Integrated), MBBS, Advanced Microvascular Anastomosis Training, Microvascular Anastomosis Training
Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Rela Hospital (RIMC) Chennai, India14+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 14+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Consultant, Neurosurgery — Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre (RIMC), Chennai (2025 – Present)
- Consultant, Neurosurgery — Panimalar Medical College Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai (2021 – 2025)
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Glioma Surgery
- Meningioma Surgery
- Acoustic Neuroma / Vestibular Schwannoma Surgery
- Pituitary Tumor Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 14+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela Hospital (RIMC)
Dr. Nigel Symss
MBBS, DNB (Neurosurgery), Fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery and Neuro Endoscopy, Fellowship in Spinal and Microneurosurgery, Fellowship in Functional/Micro Neurosurgery & Spine Surgery
Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India16+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 16+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Senior Consultant, Neurosurgery — Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai (current)
- Neurosurgery Consultant — Fortis Malar Hospital, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumor Surgery
- Skull Base Tumor Surgery
- Endoscopic Brain Surgery
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Epilepsy Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 16+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Dr. Venkatesan Sanjeevi
Fellowship in Neuroendovascular Surgery & Stroke Intervention, Endoscopic Spine Surgery Fellowship, MCh – Neurosurgery (Gold Medalist & University Rank Holder), MS – General Surgery, MBBS
Consultant Neurosurgeon, Neurosurgery · Specialty: Neurosurgeon
Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai Chennai, India10+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
- 10+ years of experience in Neurosurgeon
- Currently serving as Consultant Neurosurgeon at Gleneagles HealthCity Chennai (Perumbakkam), managing a wide range of brain and spine conditions.
- Completed advanced Neuroendovascular Surgery and Stroke Intervention fellowship training at Kameda Medical Center, Japan (2025).
Expertise & Procedures
- Brain Tumour Surgery
- Skull Base Tumour Surgery
- Endoscopic Brain Surgery
- Brain Aneurysm Clipping
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
Neurosurgeon Experience: 10+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles HealthCity ChennaiHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI
Hospitals where these doctors practise
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$5,000
Gleneagles Global Hospital
Est. 1999
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCI — Joint Commission International accreditation
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
3+
Doctors for Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
4.7
112 reviews
1000+
Beds
27+
Years Since Founded
🇮🇳 Chennai, IndiaStarting from$5,000
Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre
Est. 2018
NABH — National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABL — National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) SurgeryNeurosurgeryCardiac SurgeryCardiology
1+
Doctors for Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Why consider treatment in India?
Many international patients consider India for arteriovenous malformations (avm) treatment for several reasons, including:
More affordable estimates
Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.
Internationally accredited hospitals
Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.
Experienced specialists
Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.
Care coordination support
A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.
About the Procedure
What is Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery?
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) surgery refers to a group of neurosurgical and endovascular treatments used to remove or obliterate an abnormal tangle of blood vessels in the brain that connects arteries directly to veins, bypassing normal capillaries. Treatment is recommended to prevent life-threatening bleeding, control seizures, and relieve neurological symptoms caused by the malformation. The exact technique chosen depends on the AVM's size, location, and the patient's overall neurological status.
Who may be considered?
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery may be considered after a qualified specialist reviews your reports and medical history. Suitability varies from person to person and must be assessed by your treating doctor.
How does it work?
Open craniotomy under an operating microscope to directly excise the AVM nidus, generally offering the highest chance of complete cure in accessible lesions.
3 approaches available for this procedure:
Microsurgical Resection
Most PopularOpen craniotomy under an operating microscope to directly excise the AVM nidus, generally offering the highest chance of complete cure in accessible lesions.
Comprehensive Investigations
Estimated cost: $500 - $1,500
MRI brain with MR angiography, digital subtraction cerebral angiography (DSA), CT brain, CBC, coagulation profile, ECG, chest X-ray, renal and liver function tests
Treatment / Procedure Estimate
Estimated cost in India: $9,000 - $16,000
Stay in India
Pre-procedure stay (outside hospital): ~2 days
Hospitalisation: ~7-10 days
Recovery period (outside hospital): ~15-20 days recommended
Total stay: approx 25-30 days
Usually Included in Hospital Package
- Pre-operative consultations and workup
- Neurosurgeon and anesthesia fees
- Operating microscope and intraoperative navigation
- ICU and ward stay
- Post-operative imaging and follow-up visit
Usually Not Included
- Airfare and visa costs
- Companion accommodation and meals
- Long-term rehabilitation or physiotherapy
- Medications after discharge
- Unplanned ICU extension
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery depends on the technique used; microsurgical patients typically need 4-6 weeks before resuming normal activity, embolization patients recover faster, and radiosurgery patients require periodic MRI/DSA follow-up over 1-3 years to confirm complete AVM obliteration.
Risks
Potential risks include intracranial hemorrhage, new neurological deficits, seizures, infection, stroke, and in rare cases incomplete obliteration requiring repeat treatment.
Alternatives
Depending on AVM characteristics, alternatives include conservative observation with regular imaging, medical management of symptoms such as seizures, or a combined multimodal approach using embolization followed by surgery or radiosurgery.
What we need to prepare a formal estimate
Share whatever you have — the care team will confirm the final checklist after reviewing your case.
Reports required
- Recent MRI brain with MRA
- Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) report if available
- CT brain scan (plain and contrast)
- Detailed neurological examination notes
- History of any prior bleeds or seizures
- Current medication list
- General blood investigation reports
- Cardiology clearance if applicable
Patient information needed
- Age and general health status
- History of seizures, headaches, or prior hemorrhage
- AVM size, location, and Spetzler-Martin grade if known
- Any previous brain surgery or embolization
- Allergies, especially to contrast dye
- Current medications and blood thinners
- Family or genetic history of vascular malformations
- Availability of a travel companion
Costs shown are indicative planning estimates based on typical pricing across leading Indian hospitals. They are not a quote — actual pricing depends on your case complexity, hospital choice, and length of stay. Share your reports for a personalized estimate.
How this directory is built
Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery) and procedure (Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.
Need help with the next step?
Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.
Common questions
FAQs about Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery in Chennai, India
What is Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)?
An AVM is a congenital abnormality in which arteries and veins are directly connected by a disorganised cluster of malformed vessels — called a nidus — rather than through normal capillaries. This causes abnormally high-pressure blood flow through fragile vessel walls, raising the risk of rupture and haemorrhage.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)?
Many AVMs are discovered incidentally before symptoms occur, but when symptoms do appear they can include recurrent headaches, seizures, focal weakness, speech or vision disturbances, or a sudden, severe headache and neurological deterioration if haemorrhage has taken place. Symptoms vary considerably depending on the AVM's location and whether bleeding has occurred, and spinal AVMs may present instead with progressive limb weakness or pain. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not confirm an AVM diagnosis — only appropriate clinical evaluation and imaging can establish this.
How is Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a detailed clinical history and neurological examination, followed by advanced imaging: MRI and MR angiography are standard first-line tools for identifying and characterising an AVM, while catheter-based digital subtraction angiography (DSA) remains the gold-standard investigation for defining the precise vascular anatomy before any intervention is planned. Clinicians also use established grading systems — most notably the Spetzler–Martin scale, which scores an AVM from Grade I to Grade V based on size, location in eloquent brain tissue, and the pattern of venous drainage — to guide decisions about treatment risk and strategy. This grading, combined with the patient's age, overall health, and symptom history, forms the basis of any individualised management plan.
How is Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) treated?
Treatment decisions are highly individualised and depend on the AVM's Spetzler–Martin grade, location, size, whether it has bled, and the patient's overall neurological status and health. When intervention is indicated, options include microsurgical resection (AVM surgery to physically remove the malformation), endovascular embolization (threading a catheter through blood vessels to block feeding arteries, often used to reduce blood flow before surgery or radiosurgery), and stereotactic radiosurgery (focused radiation that causes the AVM to gradually close over time). In many cases a combination of these approaches — for example, embolization followed by surgery or radiosurgery — is planned by a multidisciplinary team to optimise safety and effectiveness.
Can Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) be treated without a procedure?
For certain patients — particularly those with unruptured, low-grade AVMs in high-risk locations, elderly patients, or those with significant comorbidities — a strategy of conservative management with close observation may be appropriate, rather than immediate intervention. This involves regular MRI or angiographic surveillance, careful blood pressure control, and management of seizures with medication where present. However, conservative management does not eliminate the underlying risk of rupture, and the decision between observation and active treatment must be made on an individual basis by a qualified specialist after weighing the risks of the AVM itself against those of intervention.
When is Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery considered for Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)?
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Surgery may be considered only when it is appropriate for the confirmed diagnosis and the expected benefit outweighs the individual risks. The decision may depend on symptom severity, investigation results, previous treatment, overall health and the patient's goals. A specialist should discuss alternatives and recovery before any procedure is planned.
Which doctor treats Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)?
AVMs are typically evaluated and managed by a neurosurgeon with specific experience in cerebrovascular or skull-base surgery, often working alongside an interventional neuroradiologist who performs endovascular procedures such as embolization. For spinal AVMs, a spinal neurosurgeon or neurologist specialising in spinal vascular disorders is also involved, and many centres coordinate care through a dedicated cerebrovascular or neurovascular multidisciplinary team.
How do I choose a doctor for Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)?
When comparing providers, look for a neurosurgeon and interventional neuroradiologist with documented experience in AVM management at a centre performing a high volume of these cases annually, as outcome data consistently favour high-volume cerebrovascular programmes. Confirm that the centre offers a full spectrum of treatment modalities — surgery, embolization, and radiosurgery — within a multidisciplinary team, and enquire about the follow-up imaging protocol and long-term neurological monitoring provided after treatment.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a concise medical summary, symptom timeline, previous diagnoses, investigation and imaging reports, procedure or biopsy reports where relevant, current medicines, allergies and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translations when needed. The reviewing doctor may request additional information before giving an opinion.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team can review the initial information, help identify suitable doctors and hospitals, request a medical opinion where available, explain next steps and indicative cost information, and support practical planning before travel. A remote opinion does not replace an in-person examination or emergency care.