Interventional Neuroradiology: The Specialists Who Treat Blood Vessels From the Inside
When blood vessel problems arise within the delicate architecture of the brain or spinal cord,
accessing them traditionally required open skull or spinal surgery. Today, the field of
Interventional Neuroradiology (INR)—also known as endovascular surgical
neuroradiology—allows specialists to treat complex neurovascular conditions from inside the
blood vessels.
By navigating microscopic catheters through the circulatory system, interventional
neuroradiologists provide targeted therapies without making incisions in the head or back.
How Endovascular Procedures Are Performed
Interventional neuroradiology procedures are conducted in specialized hybrid angiosuites equipped
with advanced, high-resolution X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy).
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Vascular Access: A tiny puncture is made in an artery, usually in the upper thigh (femoral artery) or wrist (radial artery).
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Catheter Guidance: Under real-time imaging guidance, the specialist navigates a microcatheter through the vascular system, ascending into the blood vessels of the neck, brain, or spine.
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Targeted Treatment: Once the tip of the microcatheter reaches the precise site of disease, specialized micro-instruments or medications are deployed to treat the issue directly.
Conditions Treated by Interventional Neuroradiology
Endovascular specialists manage a wide range of complex brain and spinal vascular disorders,
including:
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Brain Aneurysms: Treated using flexible platinum micro-coils, stents, or flow-diverting devices that block blood flow into the aneurysm, protecting it from rupture.
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Acute Ischemic Stroke: Using mechanical thrombectomy devices to physically retrieve and extract blood clots from blocked brain arteries.
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Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) and Fistulas (DAVFs): Delivering liquid embolic agents (such as Onyx or glue) to seal off abnormal vascular connections.
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Carotid Artery Stenosis: Expanding narrowed neck arteries using micro-balloons and placing permanent self-expanding stents.
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Hypervascular Brain and Spinal Tumors: Performing preoperative tumor embolization to block tumor blood supply prior to surgical resection.
Advantages of the Endovascular Approach
Because endovascular procedures eliminate the need for large surgical incisions or brain retractor
placement, patients frequently benefit from shorter hospital stays, minimal post-procedure
discomfort, lower infection rates, and significantly faster recovery times.
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Book Online: Visit igeaneuro.com to request a comprehensive diagnostic consultation with our neurosurgical team.
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Call Our Team Today: Speak directly with our dedicated patient care coordinators at (866) 467-1770.
