Neuroloendovascular therapy is an advanced branch of medicine that, through a minimally invasive approach, offers an effective and safe alternative for treating cerebrovascular diseases and other critical neurological conditions.
Endovascular Therapy
Neuroendovascular therapy, also known as neurointervention or interventional neuroradiology, is a medical subspecialty that uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat certain vascular diseases affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
Thanks to these techniques, specialists no longer need to perform open surgeries and can instead access the vascular system through a small puncture—usually in the femoral artery located in the groin or the radial artery in the arm.
By using thin catheters guided by real-time X-ray imaging, doctors can precisely treat lesions and diseases, reducing the risk of complications and significantly shortening the patient’s recovery time.
The main conditions addressed by neuroendovascular therapy include:
- Cerebral aneurysm: an abnormal dilation of brain arteries that can rupture and cause severe hemorrhages.
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the brain.
- Stroke: a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is reduced or interrupted.
- Carotid stenosis: narrowing of the carotid arteries, which can restrict blood flow to the brain.
Endovascular Procedures
Neuroloendovascular therapy encompasses various procedures, each designed to treat different cerebrovascular pathologies.
- Cerebral aneurysm embolization: this procedure treats aneurysms before they rupture. A catheter is guided through the vascular system to the aneurysm, where small metal coils are placed inside to seal it.
- Treatment of arteriovenous malformations: abnormal connections between arteries and veins can cause brain hemorrhages. In this procedure, embolization is performed by injecting special materials that block the abnormal vessels, reducing the risk of bleeding.
- Angioplasty and stent placement: used to treat cerebral and carotid artery stenosis, using a balloon that inflates inside the vessel to widen it.
- Treatment of brain hemorrhages: in cases of cerebral bleeding, the arteries causing the hemorrhage can be embolized.
- Mechanical thrombectomy: a key procedure in managing ischemic stroke, allowing the removal of the clot responsible for the blockage.
Ischemic Stroke Treatment
Ischemic stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA), is a common condition that can endanger a person’s health and life if not treated promptly and adequately.
This condition occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked by a clot (thrombus) or by an embolus (material traveling through the bloodstream that blocks an artery).
When this blockage occurs, the affected brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to irreversible neuronal damage if not treated quickly.
Specifically, in the field of endovascular therapy, mechanical thrombectomy has become the primary treatment for patients with ischemic stroke caused by the occlusion of large intracranial arteries, such as the middle cerebral artery or the basilar artery.
This procedure allows for the direct removal of the thrombus blocking the blood vessel. Mechanical thrombectomy is often combined with intravenous thrombolysis, which involves administering thrombolytic medications to partially dissolve the clot before the endovascular procedure.
This combination improves the success rate and increases the patient’s chances of recovery.
Neuroloendovascular therapy has revolutionized the management of various cerebrovascular diseases, offering less invasive and more precise solutions that improve not only the patient’s prognosis but also their quality of life.
Neurointerventionist Near Me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we have a team of specialists in neuroendovascular therapy who are highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized care for all your neurointerventional needs.
Our neurointerventionists in Mexico City are committed to your well-being, using the latest technology and most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as stroke, cerebral aneurysms, dural arteriovenous fistulas, and more.
Fuentes:
Elsevier, Scielo, MedlinePlus
