Endovascular Neurosurgery

Endovascular Neurosurgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes such as cerebral angiograms, while others are done for treatment purposes, such as cerebral coilings or embolizations. Fluoroscopy (x-rays) is used to direct these procedures, which are performed using thin tubes called catheters. The catheters are introduced into the vascular system either through the femoral artery in the groin.

Cerebral Angiogram

Angiogram Equipment

 

Basic Endovascular Procedures

  • Angiography
    Imaging the blood vessels to look for abnormalities
  • Balloon angioplasty
    The opening of narrow or blocked blood vessels using a balloon
  • Chemoembolization
    Delivering cancer treatment directly to a tumor through its blood supply
  • Drain insertions
    Placement of tubes into different parts of the body to drain fluids
  • Embolization
    Blocking abnormal blood vessels in arteriovenous malformations with glue or ONYX
  • Coiling
    Placing small coils within a cerebral aneurysm
  • Thrombolysis/Clot Retrieval
    Treatment aimed at dissolving or removing blood clots causing the stroke

The University of Florida is one of the largest volume endovascular neurosurgery centers in the country. Doctors Brian Hohand Adam Polifka of the Department of Neurosurgery perform all types of endovascular neurosurgery procedures.

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