Neurovascular Surgery
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
What is Neurovascular Surgery?
Neurovascular surgery is a specialised field of medicine focused on diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the blood vessels in the brain and spinal cord. These procedures address problems such as aneurysms, strokes, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other vascular abnormalities that can have life-threatening or debilitating consequences. By using advanced techniques and tools, neurovascular surgery aims to restore normal blood flow, prevent complications, and improve patients' quality of life.
Types of Neurovascular Surgery
Neurovascular surgery encompasses a range of procedures tailored to the specific condition and needs of the patient. Common types include:
Aneurysm Clipping: A surgical procedure where a tiny metal clip is placed at the base of a brain aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing or bleeding further.
Endovascular Coiling: A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter to insert tiny coils into an aneurysm, promoting clotting and preventing blood flow into the weakened area.
Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) Resection: Surgical removal of abnormal tangles of blood vessels to prevent haemorrhage and alleviate pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.
Carotid Endarterectomy: A procedure to remove plaque build-up in the carotid arteries, reducing the risk of stroke by restoring blood flow to the brain.
Stent-Assisted Treatments: Stents may be used to treat narrowed arteries or support other interventions such as coiling in complex aneurysm cases.
Cerebral Bypass Surgery: Involves creating a detour for blood flow around a blocked or damaged artery, restoring adequate blood supply to the brain.
Benefits of Neurovascular Surgery
Neurovascular surgery offers significant benefits for patients with complex vascular conditions, including:
Improved Outcomes: These procedures can prevent life-threatening complications such as strokes or aneurysm rupture.
Symptom Relief: Many neurovascular surgeries alleviate symptoms such as headaches, weakness, or seizures caused by vascular abnormalities.
Minimally Invasive Options: Endovascular techniques involve smaller incisions and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgeries.
Customised Approaches: Treatment plans are tailored to the patient’s specific condition, ensuring optimal care and outcomes.
Symptoms and Conditions Treated with Neurovascular Surgery
Neurovascular surgery is used to manage a wide variety of conditions, including:
Aneurysms: Bulging or weakened areas in blood vessel walls that can rupture and cause bleeding in the brain.
Strokes: Caused by blocked or burst blood vessels, leading to brain damage.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of arteries and veins that disrupt normal blood flow.
Carotid Artery Disease: Narrowing of the carotid arteries that increases the risk of stroke.
Cavernous Malformations: Clusters of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord, often causing seizures or neurological symptoms.
Vascular Tumours: Abnormal growths involving blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord.
Diagnosis and Treatment Process
Diagnosis: A thorough evaluation is essential to determine the appropriate neurovascular surgical approach. Diagnostic steps include:
Medical History and Physical Examination: To assess symptoms and identify any neurological deficits.
Imaging Studies: Tests such as CT scans, MRI, or cerebral angiography provide detailed images of the brain’s blood vessels, helping pinpoint abnormalities.
Functional Assessments: Neurological exams and cognitive tests may be performed to evaluate the impact of the vascular condition.
Treatment : The neurovascular surgery process involves the following steps:
Preoperative Planning: Detailed imaging and discussions with a multidisciplinary team are used to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Surgical Procedure: Depending on the condition, open or minimally invasive techniques are employed to address the vascular abnormality.
Postoperative Care: Patients undergo monitoring and rehabilitation, which may include physical therapy, speech therapy, or occupational therapy to regain function and prevent complications.
Conclusion
Neurovascular surgery plays a crucial role in treating complex conditions of the brain and spinal cord, improving both survival and quality of life. With advanced techniques and a personalised approach, patients can benefit from safer, more effective treatments that address their unique needs. If you or a loved one are facing a neurovascular condition, schedule a consultation with us today to explore your treatment options.