We represent a high caliber surgical team who specializes in Embolization of Brain Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations with a unique and pioneering technique, with great experience and expertise.
- Aneurysms: Microsurgical clipping
- Arteriovenous malformations: Craniotomy and removal
The principal characteristics of embolization is that it approaches the brain vessels through their own lumen (intravascularly) and not externally as in conventional surgery by conducting a craniotomy.
Embolization of brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) uses imaging guidance to place small, soft metal coils into an aneurysm to block the flow of blood and prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. It also is used to fill AVMs – abnormal connections between arteries and veins – with liquid embolic agents (similar to fast-sealing glue). AVMs prevent oxygenated blood from completely circulating throughout the brain and can cause double vision, pain, and other neurological symptoms. Embolization treats cerebral aneurysms and AVMs previously thought inoperable and is much less invasive than open surgery.
It is a minimally invasive treatment for aneurysms and other blood vessel malformations that occur in the brain. These problems are typically identified in adults; however, aneurysms and AVMs can also occur in children.
Aneurysm
It is a bulge or sac that develops in an artery because the wall of the vessel is weak. A bulging aneurysm in the brain may compress surrounding nerves and brain tissue resulting in nerve paralysis, headache, neck and upper back pain as well as nausea and vomiting. If an aneurysm in the brain ruptures, causing an opening in the wall, the resulting bleeding in the head may cause a stroke or death.
Embolization is not conducted with craniotomy, but through the insertion of a thin micro-catheter through the femoral artery right inside the aneurysm sac. Then, special embolization coils are guided inside the aneurysm, until the sack is completely unclogged and the bloodstream stops.
AVM
It is an abnormal connection or passageway between the arteries and veins. AVMs may prevent oxygenated blood from completely circulating throughout the brain, causing symptoms including, but not limited to:
- unusual sound in one ear (pulsating or humming)
- neurological symptoms
- increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
- double vision
- pain
In embolization procedures, the doctor uses image guidance to place small, soft metal coils within the aneurysm, where it helps block the flow of blood and prevents rupture of the aneurysm. Similarly, doctors use image guidance to fill AVMs with liquid embolic agents (similar to fast-sealing glue), thereby treating the presenting symptoms, and preventing new ones.
Benefits:
- Using detachable coils to close off an aneurysm is effective in prolonging life and relieving symptoms.
- Embolization is a treatment for cerebral aneurysms and AVMs that previously were considered inoperable. This procedure is less invasive and requires significantly less recovery time than open surgery.
- No surgical incision is needed—only a small nick in the skin that does not have to be stitched.