Eighteen patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVM's) involving the extremities, pelvis, or head are reported and their treatment is discussed. Our experience has led us to the following conclusions: (1) careful selective angiography is mandatory to delineate the vascular anatomy, extent, and major afferent vessels supplying the AVM; (2) ligation of afferent vessels to an AVM never is indicated; (3) intra-arterial embolization (IAE) can be used prior to surgical removal of extensive but resectable AVM's; (4) IAE may be employed for symptom control of inoperable AVM's.