Neuro interventions, also known as neurovascular interventions or neuroendovascular procedures, are a type of minimally invasive treatment aimed at diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the blood vessels in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. These procedures are performed by interventional neurologists or interventional radiologists using image-guided techniques to access and treat conditions such as stroke, brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), vascular stenosis, and intracranial hemorrhages without the need for open surgery.
Minimally Invasive: These procedures use small incisions or sometimes no incisions at all, allowing for quicker recovery times and less discomfort compared to traditional surgery.
Targeted Treatment: Neuro interventions provide precise, targeted treatment of vascular issues within the brain or spinal cord, minimizing the risk to surrounding tissue and optimizing outcomes.
Life-Saving: Neurovascular procedures, especially those related to stroke or brain aneurysms, can be life-saving by quickly treating the root cause of the neurological issue, potentially preventing severe disability or death.
Preservation of Brain Function: By restoring normal blood flow to affected regions or blocking dangerous aneurysms, these procedures help preserve brain function and reduce long-term neurological damage.
This procedure is used to treat brain aneurysms, which are weak spots in the blood vessel wall that can bulge and rupture, leading to life-threatening brain hemorrhages.
A catheter is inserted into the femoral artery in the groin and threaded up to the brain. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), the catheter is navigated to the aneurysm site. Tiny platinum coils are inserted to fill the aneurysm sac and prevent rupture.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute Stroke:This procedure is used in cases of acute ischemic stroke, where a blood clot blocks a brain vessel, depriving it of oxygen. A catheter is inserted into the groin artery, and stent retrievers are used to remove the clot, restoring blood flow and minimizing brain damage.
Carotid Artery Stenting:For carotid artery disease (narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the brain), a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery to the carotid artery. A balloon is used to widen the artery, and a stent is placed to keep it open, ensuring continued blood flow to the brain.
Endovenous Laser Therapy for Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST):Laser therapy is used to treat CVST, a condition where a blood clot forms in the brain’s venous sinuses. A catheter with a laser fiber is inserted into the blocked sinus to break up the clot and restore blood flow.
Embolization for Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs):AVMs are abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can lead to hemorrhage. Embolization involves inserting a catheter, guided by imaging, to inject embolic agents (such as coils or glue) to block the abnormal vessels and reduce the risk of bleeding.
Spinal Artery Embolization:Used for patients with spinal hemorrhage or vascular malformations, this procedure delivers embolizing agents directly into the spinal arteries to control bleeding or treat vascular abnormalities.