Endovascular Neurosurgery

What is endovascular neurosurgery?

Endovascular neurosurgery involves passing small catheters through an artery in the groin or wrist and navigating them to blood vessels in the brain. Once they have reached the brain, the endovascular neurosurgeon can use a series of devices to repair problems in arteries and veins within the head. Endovascular neurosurgery can be used to treat many disorders of the blood vessels in the head.

Endovascular neurosurgery offers advantages to open surgery, including:

• Shorter recovery period, less discomfort
• Smaller incisions
• Less stress on the heart
• Fewer risks for patients with other medical conditions

Endovascular neurosurgery may be used in some instances before open surgery to help reduce the risk of excess bleeding or other complications.

Am I a good candidate for endovascular neurosurgery?

You may be a good candidate for endovascular neurosurgery if you need surgery to correct a problem with the blood vessels in your head, especially if you are at high risk for complications because of other conditions.

Sometimes having an endovascular procedure before traditional vascular neurosurgery can reduce your risk of complications. Your neurosurgeon will be able to help you decide which approach is best for you.

Information and Resources

The New England Journal of Medicine: Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke