Stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or if there is bleeding into the brain. Within minutes of a stroke, brain cells are injured and begin to die which causes the person to experience sudden neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness/tingling, trouble speaking and severe headache. Stroke is a medical emergency and prompt treatment is critical. If treated early, brain damage from a stroke can be minimized.
Endovascular thrombectomy: Through a tiny incision in the skin, usually in the groin, and using live X-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist can precisely navigate special catheters and stent devices to restore blood flow to the part of the brain that is not receiving blood due to blockage by a blood clot. The faster this blood flow is restored, the better the chances for good recovery from the stroke.
Aneurysm: A cerebral aneurysm is a bubble of the artery wall that poses a risk of bursting leading to hemorrhage or bleeding inside the brain. Interventional radiologists with additional neurointerventional training can treat brain aneurysms with coils (tiny pieces of platinum which fill the aneurysm) and other devices such as special stents called flow-diverters.
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, x-ray guided procedure where a mixture of surgical cement is injected into a damaged vertebra through a hollow needle. It is done when normal bone healing is unlikely to occur after a vertebral compression fracture, leading to a decrease in mobility and quality of life. The procedure is performed using skin numbing medication, on an outpatient basis. Occasionally, patients will be asked to stay overnight.