Cerebrovascular Diseases and Disorders
Diseases and disorders affecting the blood vessels that supply the brain - such as strokes, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations - are treated through a collaborative approach that includes neurosurgeons, cranial base surgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuroanesthesiologists and others. Many of these problems can be treated surgically. Technologies, such as intraoperative angiography that enable surgeons to visualize the blood vessels during surgery, are key to success.
Cerebrovascular disease refers to any disease of the blood vessels and, especially, the arteries that supply the brain. Stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts; the blood flow stays blocked, and the brain has permanent damage. Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, often by a blood clot. After a short time, blood flows again and the symptoms go away.
Cerebrovascular disease may be caused by different factors, including high blood pressure or a blood-clotting disorder. Rapid diagnosis is critical for a best possible recovery. Medicines may be used initially and then treatments may shift to rehabilitation and prevention of other problems and future strokes.
Neuro-Endovascular Services
Through a unique joint venture between the Neurosurgery and Radiology programs, cerebrovascular disorders such as aneurysm, tumor, carotid stenosis and stroke can be treated without surgery, but by approaching the problem endovascularly – from within the blood vessels. For example, Loyola is one of the few centers nationwide performing the GDC procedure (Guglielmi Detachable Coil) in which a soft platinum alloy micro-coil is placed through the femoral artery into a cerebral aneurysm, isolating it from circulation and thereby reducing pressure and the likelihood of rupture and stroke.
Interventional Neurovascular Applications Laboratory
A new interventional neurovascular applications laboratory enables scientists to teach interventional techniques and test innovative treatments for cerebrovascular diseases. Some of the principal avenues of research include testing ways to seal off aneurysms with polymer compounds or metal coils, using special glue to treat arteriovenous malformations and using new technologies to measure cerebral blood flow. A new state-of-the-art cerebral blood flow laboratory enhances the management of both interventional and open surgical cerebrovascular cases.
Location
Contact Us
For an appointment or for more information about Cerebrovascular Diseases and Disorders, call (888) LUHS-888.