NeuroTexas Institute neurointerventional radiology or endovascular neurosurgery is a specialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat vascular disorders of the brain and spine. With advanced imaging for guidance, neurointerventionalists or neurosurgeons use microcatheters (tiny tubes) to treat many complex disorders.
In general these disorders are treated either by closing (embolization) or opening (recanalization) the abnormal vessels. Many disorders that previously needed more invasive neurosurgery can be treated with these techniques. This minimally invasive approach can be beneficial to patients as this procedure has been found to reduce post-operative pain, minimizes scarring, facilitate rehabilitation, and allows for a quicker return to normal activities.
In all neurointerventional cases, an initial diagnostic angiogram is performed to detect and characterize the abnormality to be treated. The neurointerventionalist puts a small catheter into the femoral artery in the groin area. The catheter is then moved into the aorta, then into the vessels of the neck. Multiple pictures are taken of the vessels in the neck and head while contrast (dye) is injected. These pictures, the angiogram, are then analyzed by the neurointerventionalists.
At NeuroTexas Institute, a state of the art Bi-plane angiography suite offer an advanced x-ray system, which takes exceptional anatomical images used to diagnose and treat arteriorvenous malformations (AVM) and aneurysms, as well as other vascular abnormalities. It is differentiated from traditional angiography by providing images from two different angles at the same time, significantly reducing procedure time, as well as risk to the patient.
NeuroTexas Institute is one of only 50 centers that has been chosen as a clinical trial site for the Penumbra Imaging Collaborative Study (PICS). The Penumbra system uses aspiration and catheterization techniques to rapidly restore blood flow in the brain and limit damage caused by stroke.
For more information about NeuroTexas Institute Neurovascular Program,
click here.