Neurointerventional Radiology
Neurointerventional radiology is a relatively new but growing
subspecialty of radiology. These specialists use minimally
invasive procedures to diagnose and treat disorders of the blood
vessels of the spine, neck and head.
Utilized in place of more invasive procedures which require
opening the skull or exposing the spinal column,
neurointerventional procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they
can be accomplished through tiny incisions no bigger than the size
of a nickel.
Interventional neuroradiologists use microcatheters, stents,
balloons, and similar devices to diagnose/treat aneurysms, vascular
formations, strokes and other conditions using high-tech image
guidance. In the past, many of these conditions would have
required open brain surgery.
BayCare Clinic was the first to bring an interventional
neuroradiologist to Northeast Wisconsin, and for many years was the
only clinic to offer this highly specialized field of
medicine. Dr. Raisa Lev works closely with
regional neurologists and BayCare Clinic's neurosurgeons in a
team-based care approach.
Brain & Spine Images
Whether these specialists are treating the brain or the spine,
high-resolution medical imaging is what makes these minimally
invasive procedures possible. Imaging technology transmits
internal images of the brain or spine to a large screen, making it
possible to see the problem area.
Many conditions that would have once required open surgery can
now be treated through neurointerventional procedures:
- Aneurysms
- Cerebral artery stenosis
- Spinal compression fractures
- Strokes
- Tumors of the head, neck and spine
- Vascular malformations
Note: Neurointervention may not be appropriate treatment for
every patient with these health conditions.
Patient Outcomes
Neurointerventional treatments are proven and
cost-effective. When compared to traditional open surgery,
these therapies offer shorter recovery time, fewer complications,
and less post-operative pain.
Providers
Raisa Lev,
MD