Interventional Neuroradiology Techniques

In addition to new medications and surgical techniques, The Stanford Stroke Center is pioneering a number of new interventional radiology procedures to prevent stroke in patients with selected high-risk AVMs, aneurysms, and partially blocked arteries. These endovascular procedures are performed within the blood vessel.

Endovascular Treatment of Aneurysms

Endovascular treatment of aneurysms is a new interventional neuroradiologic technique, which greatly benefits patients with serious medical conditions who are unable to sustain the stress of surgery. Platinum coils developed at Stanford are guided into the aneurysm via a catheter, creating a clot that effectively closes the aneurysm off from the surrounding circulation, preventing the risk of hemorrhagic stroke in the future.

Endovascular Treatment of AVMs

Endovascular treatment of AVMs is also available at Stanford. One innovative form of treatment involves use of a "super glue" substance introduced via a tiny catheter to reduce the size of the AVM and facilitate further microsurgical or radiation treatment. In some cases, it is possible to completely block off and cure the AVM with endovascular treatment alone.

Angioplasty and Stenting of Vessels in the Neck and Brain

Angioplasty and stenting of vessels in the neck and brain are other new endovascular procedures available at only a few institutions nationwide. Cerebral angioplasty is similar to a widely used cardiology procedure, and is used to open partially blocked vertebral and carotid arteries in the neck, as well as blood vessels within the brain. Stenting of carotid or vertebral arteries and large cerebral veins involves use of a fine, tubular wire mesh to hold the vessel open.