Neurointerventional Treatment at Memorial Neuroscience Center

Interventional neuroradiology is an exciting approach to treating strokes, aneurysms and neurovascular diseases of the brain and spine. Using catheters and technology, interventional radiologists at Memorial Neuroscience Center reduce blood flow to abnormalities in the brain, spine, head and neck, and restore normal blood flow to vessels affected by a clot, hemangioma or other vascular malformation. Neurointerventional procedures are minimally invasive and potentially lifesaving options for patients who are not good candidates for traditional surgery.

What is neurointerventional medicine?

Neurointerventional medicine is an innovative treatment for blood vessel disorders from inside those blood vessels — an endovascular approach. Using catheters, interventional radiologists reduce or eliminate blood flow abnormalities in the brain, spine, head and neck. They can also restore normal blood flow to vessels affected by a clot or other obstruction.

What conditions can be treated with interventional neuroradiology?

Applications of interventional neuroradiology include:

• Arteriovenous malformations of the brain and spine
• Atherosclerotic disease of the head and neck
• Brain aneurysms
• Head and neck tumors
• Hemangiomas and other vascular malformations of the head and neck
• Stroke or brain attack
• Uncontrolled bleeding in the head and neck
• Vertebral compression fractures caused by tumors or osteoporosis

How are neurointerventional techniques used to treat a stroke or brain attack?

Similar to a heart attack, a brain attack occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and the brain is deprived of oxygen. Rapid response is key to evaluating and treating the patient. If tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is administered intravenously within three hours of the attack, the long-term effects of the attack can be reduced. If treatment cannot be given until three to six hours after the attack begins, administering t-PA intra-arterially can reduce the long-term effects of the attack.

What are the benefits of neurointerventional techniques?

Neurointerventional techniques are highly effective. They are also less invasive and less painful, require a shorter hospital stay and involve less recuperation than traditional surgery.

Who is a good candidate for neurointerventional medicine?

Interventional neuroradiology is ideal for patients who are not good candidates for traditional surgery because of a secondary illness, such as heart or pulmonary disease, or because of the complexity of the patient's condition.

Why choose Memorial Neuroscience Center for neurointerventional procedures?

Medical expertise and facilities make Memorial's Neurointervention Program among the best in the nation. Under the direction of Hoang Duong, MD, the hospital has assembled a team of physicians and nurses specially trained and recognized by national organizations for excellence in neurointerventional procedures. Backed by the full resources of Memorial Regional Hospital, the program is based in the $3.5 million Memorial Neurovascular Suite. The Joint Commission has certified Memorial Regional Hospital as a Primary Stroke Center, and the hospital's Brain Attack Team — emergency personnel, specially trained doctors and nurses, and neuroimaging and laboratory services — is available 24 hours a day.