What Is Interventional Neuroradiology?
A. Interventional neuroradiology (INR) or endovascular surgical neuroradiology as a specialty has undergone rapid evolution during its short existence. Originally developed in the 1980’s by radiologists and neurological surgeons, INR is made possible by dramatic advances in computer technology and state-of-the-art equipment. Essentially, interventional neuroradiology therapies are accomplished through microcatheters inserted in the groin area and, under X-ray guidance, threaded through the blood vessels leading into the brain. Interventional neuroradiologists currently employ minimally invasive procedures to accomplish a wide variety of treatments including: stroke treatment by delivering clot-busting drugs directly to the site of the blockage; aneurysm therapy by inserting platinum coils into the aneurysm bulge to prevent clotting and rupture; and spinal treatments by injecting cement into a fractured vertebra in order to reinforce the bone.
Interventional neuroradiology (INR) or endovascular surgical neuroradiology as a specialty has undergone rapid evolution during its short existence. Originally developed in the 1980’s by radiologists and neurological surgeons, INR is made possible by dramatic advances in computer technology and state-of-the-art equipment. Essentially, interventional neuroradiology therapies are accomplished through microcatheters inserted in the groin area and, under X-ray guidance, threaded through the blood vessels leading into the brain. Interventional neuroradiologists currently employ minimally invasive procedures to accomplish a wide variety of treatments including: stroke treatment by delivering clot-busting drugs directly to the site of the blockage; aneurysm therapy by inserting platinum coils into the aneurysm bulge to prevent clotting and rupture; and spinal treatments by injecting cement into a fractured vertebra in order to reinforce the bone.
Interventional neuroradiology (INR) is a new but growing specialty primarily dedicated to the treatment of disorders of the blood vessels of the brain, spine, head and neck from inside those blood vessels (an endovascular approach). Using catheters and microcatheter techniques, an interventional neuroradiologist can reduce or eliminate blood flow to abnormal structures such as aneurysms or vascular formations, but he can also use endovascular techniques to increase blood flow to normal blood vessels that are obstructed by clot or atherosclerotic disease. Advances in the computer technology that provides the images used to guide catheters and other devices within the body, as well as advances in the devices themselves, account for the phenomenal growth of this field. Who benefits from interventional neuroradiology? A growing number of patients with diseases or disorders of the blood vessels of the neck, head and spine can be treated safely and effectively using devices within the blood
Interventional Neuroradiology is a specialty primarily dedicated to the treatment of disorders of the blood vessels of the neck and brain (cerebrovascular disease) from inside the blood vessels (also called endovascular neurosurgery). Rapid advances in technology over the past fifteen years are responsible for the growth of this field. The two key technical components are the computer technology providing the images we use to guide catheters and other devices within the body, as well as advances in the devices themselves. A growing number of patients with diseases or disorders of the blood vessels of the neck, head and spine can be treated safely and effectively using devices within the blood vessels (endovascular). Common endovascular therapies include angioplasty (opening a narrowed artery with a balloon) and treatment of aneurysms (a balloon-like weakness in the wall of an artery) within the head. The Interventional Neuroradiology Service at Washington University offers a full range
Interventional neuroradiology (INR) is a relatively new subspecialty that encompasses the evaluation and treatment of diseases of blood vessels of the head and neck using minimally invasive techniques. The tools of the trade include catheters, coils, and balloon angioplasty and stenting, all used with x-ray guidance. The most common diseases INR physicians treat are stroke, intracranial aneurysms, vascular malformations, and blockages of vessels in the head or neck.
