Neurointerventional Radiology

Neurointerventional radiology is performed by specially trained physicians who treat brain, spine and neck disorders by accessing a large blood vessel through incisions, typically in the groin. They use sophisticated imaging equipment and can advance specialized tools into the brain or spine to block abnormalities, protect from hemorrhage or open blocked arteries to improve blood flow.

For you, these minimally invasive procedures mean smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, less recovery time and fewer complications than traditional brain surgery.

We use advanced bi-plane neuroangiography technology, which provides your physician with 3D, high-definition views of the brain, neck or spine to identify the problem and to monitor the procedure’s progress as it happens. 

The bi-plane system has two rotating cameras that create detailed 3D images of the blood vessels leading to and within the brain. This advanced system produces images simultaneously from two regions of the head, from front to back and side to side, decreasing the time it takes to complete a neurological angiogram.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs the blood flow in the brain. In many cases, a clot-busting drug called tPA can quickly break apart clots, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow. In cases where tPA is ineffective, or patients can't safely receive the medication, a mechanical thrombectomy can effectively remove the clot.

In this minimally invasive procedure, a neurointerventional radiologist uses specialized equipment and advanced imaging to pull the clot out of the brain through a small incision in the leg or arm. A long, thin tube called a catheter guides the clot-retrieving device through the arteries in the body and into the brain, where the blockage can be safely removed.

In clinical trials, mechanical thrombectomy has been proven to be effective in reducing disability in patients up to 24 hours after the onset of the stroke.

A sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block treats migraines and relieves chronic headache pain. 

The SPG is a cluster of sensory nerves, including the trigeminal nerve, which is the main nerve involved in headache disorders like migraines or chronic cluster headaches. The numbing agent blocks pain receptors in the SPG from sending pain signals, thus relieving headache pain. Patients are awake for the entire procedure.

Temporary pain relief can come quickly after the procedure and last for hours. Patients can have the procedure at one- to two-week intervals. Side effects are mild and may include sore throat, nausea, dizziness, vomiting or worsening headache. Side effects typically last less than 24 hours.

The SPG intranasal catheter may be an effective solution for patients with chronic migraines and when other relief options are not working.