BRAIN ANEURYSM-COILING, FLOW DIVERTER, PARENT VESSEL OCCLUSION

Brain Aneurysm: Endovascular Treatment with IR

Brain aneurysms, bulges in weakened blood vessel walls, pose a serious risk of rupture and bleeding in the brain. Thankfully, Interventional Radiologists (IRs) offer minimally invasive endovascular treatments to address these abnormalities. This blog explores three such techniques: coiling, flow diverters, and parent vessel occlusion.

Endovascular Treatment with IR:

IRs are medical specialists who use image-guided, minimally invasive procedures for diagnosis and treatment. In the case of brain aneurysms, they access the blood vessels through a thin catheter inserted in the groin or arm. X-ray guidance allows them to navigate the catheter to the aneurysm for treatment. This approach offers faster recovery and smaller incisions compared to traditional brain surgery.

Endovascular Techniques:

Coiling: Tiny, soft metal coils are deployed within the aneurysm sac. These coils block blood flow, promoting clotting and closure of the aneurysm. It’s a well-established method suitable for many aneurysm types.
Flow Diverters: This newer technology uses a tiny mesh tube (stent) placed across the parent vessel. The stent diverts blood flow away from the aneurysm, enabling clotting and closure. This is particularly beneficial for complex or wide-necked aneurysms.
Parent Vessel Occlusion: This approach intentionally blocks the parent vessel where the aneurysm arises. It’s used for aneurysms in difficult locations or when other methods are not feasible, but carries a higher risk due to potential blood flow disruption.

Choosing the Right Treatment:

The best IR treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size, location, and shape. Your doctor (neurologist or neurosurgeon) will discuss your specific case, considering the risks and benefits of each procedure to determine the most suitable option for you.