The Department of Neurosurgery's team works with highly trained interventional and therapeutic neuroradiologists to provide superior endovascular treatments. An integral component of the department team, these interventionists evaluate each patient in an effort to decide if treatment needs to be traditional, endovascular or a combination of both.

This minimally invasive approach is used to treat a variety of conditions, including tumors, aneurysms, vascular malformations and strokes. The treatment is made through a quarter-inch incision, eliminating the need for traditional surgery. A tiny flexible tube (micro-catheter) is then directed through the blood stream, using X-ray guidance, to administer drugs to a brain lesion. Clot-busting drugs are used to treat a blood vessel at the site of a stroke and chemotherapeutic agents are administered into brain tumors. Other applications include platinum coil balloons--tiny particles of biocompatable plastic and glue to treat aneurysms and vascular malformations. In addition, the endovascular procedure is used to selectively block blood supply to certain tumors, either as primary treatment or in preparation for surgery.

For an appointment, a second opinion or more information, please call 1-800-CEDARS-1 (1-800-233-2771) or e-mail us.