Intracranial Stenting
Intracranial stenting, also known as cerebral angioplasty and stenting, is a minimally invasive procedure that treats narrowed blood vessels in the brain. The procedure is performed to reduce the risk of stroke or to treat symptoms.
When is the procedure recommended?
An intracranial stenting procedure is usually recommended for patients with severe intracranial stenosis who have symptoms and have not benefited from medical treatment. Severe stenosis is defined as a blockage of 70% or more. The procedure may also be recommended for patients with stenosis that is worsening or is due to chronic total occlusion or artery compression.
How is the procedure performed?
Using imaging guidance, our neuro-interventional radiologist inserts a catheter into an artery and threads it to the aneurysm. A guide wire is then used to place the stent at the site. The stent supports normal blood flow and prevents blood from pooling in the aneurysm.
What are the benefits?
Intracranial stenting can have several benefits, depending on the condition being treated:
- Intracranial stenting helps prevent strokes in patients who have not responded to standard medication.
- Increased safety in the treatment of brain aneurysms, as a physician does not need to enter the aneurysm itself.
- The procedure can reduce the likelihood of recurrence of brain aneurysms.
- Patients receive a lower dose of radiation than with other endovascular techniques.
