Endovascular Neurosurgery
or Neurointerventional Radiology

Endovascular neurosurgery or neurointerventional radiology is a kind of minimally invasive treatment for problems in the brain and spine. Instead of open surgery techniques treatment is performed using x-ray guidance and small tubes (catheters), usually from the groin or wrist.

Neurointerventional radiology and endovascular surgery is used to:

  • Treat brain aneurysms (weakened blood vessel walls)

  • Block abnormal blood vessels to prevent bleeding (e.g. arteriovenous malformations or fistulae)

  • Remove blood clots to reopen blocked blood vessels (thrombectomy/stroke intervention)

  • Open narrowed arteries and improve blood flow (using stenting or balloon angioplasty)

Dr Andrew Gauden Melbourne Neurointerventional Radiology

What does the procedure involve?

  • A general anaesthetic or sedation

  • Placement of a small tube (catheter) in the groin or the wrist

  • Use of X-ray guidance

  • Special devices (coils, stents, glue, suction devices)

  • Removal of the tube and placement of a device to close the blood vessel

  • Multiple procedures may be required to achieve cure

Dr Andrew Gauden Melbourne Endovascular Neurosurgery procedure

While the vast majority of procedures are safe, complications can include:

  • Stroke or bleeding with potential neurological problems such as memory or speech disturbance or difficulty with movement or vision changes

  • Blood vessel injury from the groin or wrist

  • Bruising where the tube was inserted

  • Infection at the access site

  • Reaction to use of the contrast dye (very rare)

Dr Andrew Gauden Melbourne Endovascular Neurosurgery complications

Recovery from treatment includes:

  • A hospital stay of one night, which may be extended depending on patient condition

  • Need to rest and avoid heavy lifting for a few days to a week after the procedure

  • Patients may require additional blood thinning medication after the procedure

  • Most people recover faster than with open cerebrovascular surgery over days to weeks

  • There will be a need often for further follow-up scans to monitor treatment response

Dr Andrew Gauden Melbourne Endovascular Neurosurgery recovery

For Referring Doctors

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Doctors are encouraged to call the rooms for urgent questions about patients. For all other requests and referrals, please email directly via this form.