Interventional Neuroradiology

A highly challenging radiology subspecialty, interventional neuroradiology is dedicated to the treatment of complex blood vessel-related diseases of the central nervous system, and other diseases such as tumors and even fractures of the spine.

Under highly sophisticated image guidance, interventional neuroradiologists use minimally invasive catheter techniques to treat such vascular conditions as stroke, aneurysms and brain tumors, which would otherwise require surgery. These techniques also allow interventional neuroradiologists to access and treat areas of the brain difficult to reach surgically.

Hoag interventional neuroradiologists are board-certified radiologists with additional specialty training and expertise in endovascular therapy. This unique team of physicians provides the highest quality care to even the most complex cases.

Interventional neuroradiologists at Hoag specialize in the following minimally invasive endovascular techniques:

Catheter Angiography

Catheter angiography uses X-ray technology to image blood vessels to determine whether they are narrowed, diseased, blocked or enlarged. Catheter angiography can detect atherosclerosis in the carotid artery in the neck, which may lead to stroke, as well as detect intracranial aneurysm in the brain. During catheter angiography, an interventional neuroradiologist guides a catheter to the area of the body to be imaged. A contrast material is then injected to highlight the blood vessels during imaging. This allows the physician to locate areas where the vessels may be narrowed or blocked. The procedure is often performed in patients who are undergoing angioplasty or stent placement.

Angioplasty and Vascular Stenting

Angioplasty and vascular stenting are used to treat conditions that result when arteries become narrowed or blocked. In the neurosciences, this includes carotid artery disease, a narrowing of the neck arteries and the smaller vessels inside the head, which supply blood to the brain. If theses arteries become blocked or narrowed, blood circulation is limited and the brain does not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to stroke. Performed by an interventional neuroradiologist, angioplasty and vascular stenting can improve blood flow in the arteries. During angioplasty, a balloon-tipped catheter is guided to the site of the narrowed or blocked artery. The balloon is then inflated in order to open the vessel. Once the artery is opened and the balloon is removed, a stent is often left in the artery. The stent is left in place in order to help the artery heal in an open position.

Thrombolysis, Thrombolectomy

When clots restrict blood flow in the brain, stroke can result. Thrombolysis is the treatment used to dissolve potentially harmful clots. During the procedure, an interventional neuroradiologist administers medications or mechanical devices directly into the clot to dissolve or remove them via a catheter. This therapy improves blood flow and reduces symptoms without the need for invasive surgery.

Catheter Embolization

Catheter embolization is performed to close a blood vessel in order to control abnormal bleeding, or to cut off a tumor’s blood supply in order to stop its growth. Embolization may also be used to plug an artery supplying an aneurysm within the brain, or to eliminate an arteriovenous malformation, which is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. During the procedure, a synthetic material or medication is injected via a catheter. It becomes lodged in the problematic blood vessel, thereby closing it and preventing any further abnormal bleeding.

Coil Embolization

Coil embolization is an effective treatment for aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations in the brain. Brain aneurysms present a serious health risk because if an aneurysm ruptures, internal bleeding can lead to stroke or even death. Performed by an interventional neuroradiologist, the procedure involves inserting a catheter through an artery in the leg and guiding it to the affected area of the brain. Once the catheter is in place, the neuroradiologist feeds small coils through the catheter into the aneurysm. In response, the body forms a clot around the coil, blocking blood flow to the aneurysm, thus preventing rupture.

Vertebroplasty

Fractures of the vertebral bodies cause severe pain. In older people, this may be incapacitating, leading to debilitation. By placing a thin long needle into the vertebral body through the skin, the Radiologist can inject liquid bone cement which hardens, healing the fracture and ending the pain.

| | | |
| | | | | |