Interventional Neurology An Overview

Interventional neuroradiology is a subspecialty of interventional radiology which involves using medical imaging tests in diagnosing and treating diseases of the central nervous system, head, neck and spine.

Interventional neuroradiologists use cutting edge imaging and guidance techniques to guide catheters (very fine plastic tubes) and other tiny instruments around the arteries and veins in the head, neck or spine to treat conditions such as strokes or aneurysms.

Tissue plasminogen activators (tPAs) are used for treatment of stroke, aneurysms, stenosis, and vascular malformations.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine stated that Neurointerventional surgery in addition to IV-administered "clot-busting" tissue plasminogen activator (IV-tPA) therapy is more effective than administering IV-tPA alone for the treatment of stroke.

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According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF), brain aneurysm accounts for around 500,000 deaths each year. BAF estimates that aneurysm is predominant in the age group of 35–60 years. Moreover, globally around 15 million people suffer a stroke every year, as per stats released by the World Heart Federation. High incidence of stroke and brain aneurysm is contributing to increasing demand for interventional neurology devices. Furthermore, introduction of new techniques such as flow diverter and aspiration are propelling demand for interventional neurology devices.

The American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines to treat acute ischemic stroke recommends deploying regional systems for stroke care. Deployment of stent retrievers is recommended at individual stroke centers or within hospitals for stroke care.

Penumbra 3D Revascularization Device (next-generation stroke-treatment device) proved more effective with Penumbra aspiration device according to the studies conducted by Penumbra, Inc. as compared to using the aspiration device alone.

Codman Neuro entered into agreement with InNeuroCo, Inc. for the European distribution rights for intermediate catheters (ICs). Similarly, Covidien (now Medtronic) entered into an exclusive distribution agreement with Pulsar Vascular, Inc. to market and promote PulseRider in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. PulseRider is a minimally invasive device intended for use (with embolic coils) for treatment of unruptured wide-neck intracranial aneurysms. Such strategic distribution partnership are helping market leaders to expand their global footprint.

Usual procedures in this speciality includes Angioplasty and stenting, for intracranial and extra cranial carotid artery stenosis, Embolization procedures, for Cerebral aneurysm, Arteriovenous malformation (AVM), Dural arteriovenous malformation/fistula (DAVM/DAVF), Spinal AVM/AVF, Brain tumors, Head and neck tumors and severe epistaxis, treatment of carotico cavernous fistula, vein of galen aneurysmal malformation and intra arterial orbital chemotherapy for orbital malignancies.