Forty two pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVM) in seventeen patients were treated by coil vaso-occlusion between 1979 and 1989. The techniques of deposition of coils and spiders and the precautions taken to avoid complications are described. Complete occlusion of the arterial pedicles of the PAVM was immediately obtained in 34/37 pedicles. 3/37 were occluded secondarily. Five PAVM were submitted to surgery demonstrating the reciprocal indications for surgical and per-angiographic techniques. Except in one patient, in the beginning of our experience, the observed complications were minor and we have subsequently modified our techniques to avoid them.