Neuro-Interventional Surgery

Neuro-interventional surgery enables minimally invasive treatment of aneurysms, strokes and other conditions affecting the brain and spine that were once only treatable through open surgery. 

Using sophisticated technology, including advanced imaging to see inside the body in real time, a neuro-interventional radiologist can manipulate tiny catheters through the patient’s blood vessels to break up a blood clot inside the brain or reduce pressure in an aneurysm to prevent it from bursting. These catheters can deliver medication to a targeted area, or they can be equipped with specialized medical devices to treat delicate areas inside the brain without ever opening the skull. To treat spinal conditions, the neuro-interventional radiologist uses cannulas to similarly work inside the problem area without having to expose the spinal column.

The treatment, known as endovascular recanalization therapy, offers the possibility of restoration of blood flow to prevent brain damage from stroke. Over the past year, nearly 90% of patients undergoing this procedure here at Christiana achieved substantial restoration of blood flow to the brain, and more than 60% of those patients had normal or near-normal blood flow as a result of the procedure.

Advantages of neuro-interventional procedures over traditional open surgery include a shorter recovery time, less pain during recovery and fewer complications.