by admin-blog-kh | August 5, 2026 11:39 am
Neurointerventional procedures are minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques used to diagnose and treat disorders affecting the brain, head, neck and spine. Guided by real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), these procedures are performed through a small puncture in the wrist or groin, offering high precision and fewer complications than open surgery. They are commonly used to treat acute ischaemic stroke[8], brain aneurysms, vascular malformations and certain brain tumours. Benefits include smaller incisions, reduced blood loss and pain, lower infection risk, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and excellent clinical outcomes for appropriately selected patients.
Modern medicine has revolutionised the treatment of disorders affecting the brain, head, neck and spine. Many neurological conditions that once required open brain surgery can now be treated using neurointerventional techniques.
Neurointerventional procedures are a group of minimally invasive, fluoroscopy-guided (real-time X-ray imaging) endovascular techniques used to diagnose and treat cranial, cervical and spinal conditions. These catheter-based procedures are performed using highly precise instruments through a small puncture in the wrist or groin.
Neurointerventional procedures are used in both the diagnosis and treatment of brain and spinal disorders. These techniques are highly precise and are associated with fewer postoperative complications compared to open surgery. Interventional neuroradiology is a highly specialised field that is available at many tertiary and comprehensive stroke centres and is performed by highly skilled surgeons.
Neurointerventional procedures are used to treat brain aneurysms, stroke[9], brain and spinal vascular malformations, carotid artery stenosis[10], and selected brain and spinal tumours. They can be broadly classified according to the condition being treated.
Neurointerventional techniques are commonly used to treat blockages in the blood vessels supplying the brain. Patients who suffer an acute ischaemic stroke often have a blood clot blocking blood flow to part of the brain.
The blockage is usually removed using a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy. During the procedure, the surgeon guides a catheter to the blocked artery using real-time imaging. A stent retriever or aspiration catheter is then used to remove the clot and restore blood flow.
According to neurosurgeons, mechanical thrombectomy is most effective when performed as early as possible after stroke symptoms begin and may benefit carefully selected patients up to 24 hours after symptom onset.
Endovascular coiling, stent-assisted coiling and flow-diverter stenting are commonly used to treat brain aneurysms[11]. A brain aneurysm is a weakened, thinned area of a brain artery that bulges outward, creating a risk of rupture and bleeding into the brain.
To treat the aneurysm, the surgeon inserts a catheter through a small puncture in the wrist or groin and carefully advances it to the aneurysm. Tiny platinum coils may then be placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow into the aneurysm sac. In some cases, a stent is used to support the coils or act as a flow diverter, redirecting blood flow away from the aneurysm and reducing the risk of further growth or rupture.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)[13] and dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins that increase the risk of bleeding within the brain.
Many of these conditions can now be treated using neurointerventional techniques, avoiding or reducing the need for open brain surgery. Endovascular embolisation is commonly used to block the abnormal blood vessels. During the procedure, a catheter is guided to the malformation, and an embolising agent such as tiny particles, specialised medical glue or coils—is injected to block blood flow.
Depending on the size and anatomy of the malformation, embolisation may serve as definitive treatment or be performed before surgery or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) to reduce the risk of bleeding and improve treatment outcomes.
Brain, head and neck tumours are abnormal growths that may be benign or malignant. Because these structures control many vital body functions, treatment requires careful planning and precision.
For selected highly vascular tumours, embolisation may be performed before surgery to reduce the tumour’s blood supply. This helps minimise bleeding during the operation, making surgical removal safer and technically easier.
Compared with open brain surgery, neurointerventional procedures offer several advantages:
For appropriately selected patients, neurointerventional procedures can provide excellent clinical outcomes while reducing surgical trauma and recovery time.
Your neurologist will determine whether you are a suitable candidate for interventional neuroradiology and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your condition.
Kauvery Hospital offers advanced neurointerventional care with experienced specialists and state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke, brain aneurysms, vascular malformations, and other complex neurological disorders[14]. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, expert neurological care is always within reach.
Neurointerventional procedures are performed by interventional neuroradiologists, endovascular neurosurgeons, or neurointerventional specialists who have advanced training in minimally invasive treatments for brain and spinal vascular disorders.
The duration depends on the condition being treated and the complexity of the procedure. Some procedures may take less than an hour, while more complex interventions can take several hours.
It depends on the type of procedure. Some interventions are performed under local anaesthesia with sedation, while others require general anaesthesia to ensure patient comfort and procedural safety.
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and the patient’s condition. Many patients resume light daily activities within a few days, while more complex cases may require a longer recovery period and follow-up care.
No. These procedures are most effective for selected conditions such as acute ischaemic stroke, brain aneurysms, vascular malformations, carotid artery disease, and certain tumours. Your neurologist or neurosurgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment.
These procedures are typically performed using real-time fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance), and may also be supported by CT, MRI, or cerebral angiography before or during treatment for accurate planning.
Neurointerventional procedures use small catheter-based access through the wrist or groin, resulting in less pain, smaller scars, lower infection risk, reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery in appropriately selected patients.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Radial Road & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 6111 6111 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
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