Vascular Neurosurgery
Traditionally, to reach the blood vessels in the brain and neck and their abnormalities, the neurosurgeon needed to open the skull (craniotomy) or neck using highly technical microsurgical techniques and an operating microscope. Obvioius disadvantages of this approach included the time required for the patient to recover and return to work. Yet this remains the best option for particularly difficult vascular problems in some instances.
Endovascular Neurosurgery
Catheter techniques, fluoroscopy (X-ray) and computer-assisted guidance enable a neurosurgeon trained in endovascular techniques to direct catheters through an incision (measuring a single centimeter) over the femoral artery, up through the aorta and into the vessel of interest in the brain or neck. Although just as time-consuming as traditional surgery, this procedure is far less invasive, and the allure for the patient and surgeon is obvious: the treatment of vessel abnormalities without opening the head or neck, possible discharge of the patient from the hospital as early as the day following the procedure (provided no difficulties arise) and the patient’s earlier return to work. Endovascular techniques and available technology are constantly improving.
