What is neuro intervention?

Neuro intervention, also known as neurointerventional radiology or endovascular neurosurgery, refers to minimally invasive procedures used to diagnose and treat diseases of the brain, spinal cord, head, neck, and spine. These interventions are performed using imaging guidance (such as fluoroscopy, MRI, and CT) to navigate small instruments like catheters and wires through the blood vessels to the site of pathology. Neurointerventions offer an alternative to open surgery for many conditions, often resulting in shorter recovery times and reduced risks.

What are the common neuro interventions?

1. Cerebral Angiography
Cerebral angiography is a diagnostic procedure that involves the visualization of blood vessels in the brain.

• Purpose: To diagnose vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), stenosis, and vessel occlusions.
• Procedure: A catheter is inserted through the femoral or radial artery and guided to the brain's blood vessels. Contrast dye is injected, and X-ray images are taken to visualize the vessels.

2. Endovascular Coiling
Endovascular coiling is used to treat brain aneurysms by filling the aneurysm with coils to prevent rupture.

• Purpose: To prevent the rupture of an aneurysm and subsequent hemorrhagic stroke.
• Procedure: A catheter is navigated to the aneurysm site, and platinum coils are deployed into the aneurysm, inducing clot formation and sealing it off from the blood flow.

3. Mechanical Thrombectomy
Mechanical thrombectomy is an emergency procedure to remove a blood clot from a large artery in the brain.

• Purpose: To restore blood flow in acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions.
• Procedure: A catheter is guided to the clot site, and a device (such as a stent retriever) is used to capture and remove the clot, restoring blood flow.

4. Carotid Artery Stenting
Carotid artery stenting is used to open narrowed carotid arteries to prevent stroke.

• Purpose: To treat carotid artery stenosis, reducing the risk of stroke.
• Procedure: A stent is placed in the narrowed section of the carotid artery via a catheter to keep it open and maintain blood flow.

5. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are procedures to treat vertebral compression fractures.

• Purpose: To stabilize fractures in the vertebrae and reduce pain.
• Procedure: Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra. Kyphoplasty includes balloon insertion to create space before injecting the cement.

6. Intracranial Stenting
Intracranial stenting is used to treat intracranial atherosclerosis by placing stents in narrowed brain arteries.

• Purpose: To prevent strokes in patients with significant intracranial artery narrowing.
• Procedure: A catheter delivers a stent to the narrowed artery, expanding it and improving blood flow.

7. Tumor Embolization
Tumor embolization involves blocking the blood supply to a brain or spinal tumor.

• Purpose: To reduce tumor size, decrease blood loss during surgery, or palliate symptoms.
• Procedure: Embolic agents are injected through a catheter into the blood vessels supplying the tumor, cutting off its blood supply.

Spinal Angiography and Embolization
Spinal angiography and embolization diagnose and treat vascular abnormalities in the spine.

• Purpose: To treat conditions like spinal AVMs or dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs).
• Procedure: Similar to cerebral angiography but focused on spinal vessels; embolic agents are used to block abnormal vessels.

What are the benefits of neuro interventions?

• Minimally Invasive: Lower risk, less pain, and shorter recovery time compared to open surgery.
• Precise Treatment: Directly targets the affected area, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
• Rapid Symptom Relief: Quick restoration of blood flow or stabilization of fractures, leading to immediate symptom improvement.
• Reduced Hospital Stay: Shorter hospitalization periods and faster return to daily activities.