Interventional Neurology: Types and Complications

Interventional neuroradiology is also known as interventional neurology or endovascular surgical neuroradiology is a medical subspecialty of radiology.

Interventional neurology technique was originally developed in the 1980s by the joint efforts of neurosurgeons and radiologists. Neurosurgeons and radiologist worked together and devised a minimally invasive image-based technique to detect and sometimes also used to treat the diseases of the head, neck, and spine.

The technique of Interventional neurology usually requires catheters and radiology to treat and diagnose different conditions and diseases associated with the central nervous system.

This is a minimally invasive technique which requires a tiny incision in contrary to the large incision as in open surgery.

When is interventional neuroradiology required?

It is useful in a variety of conditions with minimal invasion. The treatment includes treatment of stroke by directly delivering clot bursting medicines directly at the site of the blockage. In cases of Aneurysm of blood vessels, platinum wires are inserted to prevent clotting or rupture of blood vessels. This procedure is mainly used in diseases associated with the central nervous system. Some condition where interventional neuroradiology is suggestive is:

• Metastatic spine tumour
• In cases of the fractured vertebra.
• Arteriovenous malformation Embolism
• Balloon occlusion test
• In cases of angioplasty
• Discogram
• Epidural Injections
• Cisternogram
• Facet block
• Stroke treatment
• Cerebral Embolism treatment
• Myelogram

Pre-procedure care

The patient should know about the procedure and its benefits and risks associated with the procedure. Once the patient agrees with all the terms then the blood samples of the patient are collected to conduct various blood test which includes blood sugar, the coagulation time so that there is no unnecessary blood loss. Blood pressure must also be within the normal range. Doctors may prescribe a few medicines to get all the levels in control.

Types of procedure used

The different types of procedure used by the radioneurologist are:

• Thrombolytic therapy to break clots either in the brain or in the blood vessels or anywhere else in the body.
• Endovascular coiling is a technique where a very thin wire that has been inserted in the Brain Aneurysm to prevent blood flow. The clipping or coiling of the thin platinum wire helps to cure Aneurysm and prevent the rupture of the affected blood vessel.
• Minimal invasive spine surgery is useful in treating disorders associated with the spine including fracture, tumour, and compression of the spine.
• Cerebral angiography helps the doctors to study the blood flow in one’s brain.
• Carotid artery stenting or angioplasty which helps in reopening the narrow arteries.

Postoperative care

After the procedure, the patient has to take rest for a few days and refrain from lifting heavyweight and prevent overexertion. The patient is also advised not to take stress and exercise regularly as advised by the physiotherapist.

Complications

The complications usually seen after this procedure are:

• Hemorrhage
• Intravascular blood clots
• Increased risk of cancer
• Fever
• Infections at the site of incision
• Difficulty in breathing

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