Neuro Interventional Surgery
What is neurointerventional surgery?
Neurointerventional surgery is a medical specialty in which surgeons perform complex head, neck, and spine procedures using sophisticated image-guided technology and advanced minimally invasive techniques.
In many cases, neurointerventional surgery doesn't require a scalpel at all. There are only 500 surgeons in this specialty in the entire country, making it one of the rarest medical specialties, so the esteemed Ventura Neuroscience Center surgeons are truly premier specialists in this unique area.
When might I need neurointerventional surgery?
Surgeons perform neurointerventional surgery on both a scheduled and emergency basis. You might need neurointerventional surgery if you have a condition such as:
- Arteriosclerosis - artery hardening in the brain and neck
- Brain aneurysm
- Stroke
- Vascular brain tumors
- Vascular abnormalities
- Herniated discs
- Facet joint arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Vertebral compression fractures
- Spine tumors
- Brain tumors
- Neck tumors
In general, neurointerventional surgery can be an excellent option for people who don't respond to non-surgical treatments or who need complicated surgery in delicate areas within the brain or spine.
Minimally invasive neurointerventional surgery can also be extremely helpful for people who experience strokes, especially if performed quickly after the stroke. During this type of emergency neurointerventional surgery, your surgeon uses special devices to suction or mechanically remove the clot that caused the stroke. This type of neurointerventional surgery can literally save your brain.
How does neurointerventional surgery work?
In a neurointerventional surgical procedure, your surgeon makes a single portal — a tiny hole — above the surgical area. They thread slim tubes, needles, and other necessary tools through this portal using advanced imaging technology for the highest accuracy.
This approach uses a microscopic camera to capture images from within your brain or spine. Your surgeon watches this image feed on a high-definition display monitor as they perform your procedure.
How do I prepare for neurointerventional surgery?
Ventura Neuroscience Center will give you specific directions before your scheduled neurointerventional surgical procedure.
Although the particular directions may vary a bit according to the procedure, some general guidelines usually include fasting from midnight the night before, taking any necessary medications with just a tiny sip of water, and arriving at least half an hour ahead of your procedure.