Interventional neuroradiology, also called endovascular neurosurgery, treats diseases of the blood vessels of the brain, neck and spine from inside the vessels. A catheter is passed from the groin or wrist under X-ray guidance, so the skull is not opened.
It offers a less invasive alternative to open surgery for many aneurysms and vascular malformations, and it is the basis of emergency clot removal in stroke. Not every lesion is suitable, and some are still better clipped or left alone.
Conditions this service looks after
- Unruptured and ruptured brain aneurysms
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Dural arteriovenous fistulas of the brain and spine
- Carotid and intracranial artery narrowing
- Acute ischaemic stroke from a large vessel blockage
- Chronic subdural haematoma
- Very vascular tumours before surgery
Tests you may be offered
- CT or MR angiography: Non-invasive first-line imaging of the vessels.
- Digital subtraction angiography: A catheter study giving the most detailed map; a day-case procedure with a small stroke risk of well under 1 in 100.
- Vessel wall MRI and perfusion imaging: Help judge aneurysm stability and blood flow reserve.
- Multidisciplinary review: A neurosurgeon and interventionist together compare coiling, clipping, radiosurgery and observation.
Treatments available
- Aneurysm coiling: Platinum coils packed into the aneurysm, sometimes helped by a balloon or stent.
- Flow diverter stents and intrasaccular devices: For wide-necked or large aneurysms; stents require months of dual antiplatelet medication.
- Embolisation of AVMs and fistulas: Liquid agents block abnormal channels, alone or before surgery or radiosurgery.
- Carotid stenting: An alternative to surgery for selected patients with symptomatic narrowing.
- Mechanical thrombectomy: Emergency clot retrieval within hours of stroke onset.
- Middle meningeal artery embolisation: To reduce recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma.
When to ask for a specialist opinion
- An aneurysm or AVM found by chance on a scan
- A family history of two or more relatives with aneurysms
- Pulsatile noise in the ear
- Recurrent TIAs with a narrowed artery
- Wanting a second opinion on whether treatment is needed at all
Travelling to Türkiye for this care
Planned treatment of an unruptured aneurysm, fistula or AVM is well suited to travel: typically 1 to 3 nights in hospital and 7 to 10 days in the city. Follow-up angiograms at 6 and 12 to 24 months can be done at home if you take your images with you. Ruptured aneurysms and acute stroke are emergencies to be treated locally.
Send your reports, scans and a short history and a Clinic-Y coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable teams and written, all-inclusive proposals side by side. Reviewing your case is free.
الأسئلة المتكررة
Does every aneurysm need treating?
No. Small aneurysms in low-risk positions are often monitored. The decision weighs size, site, shape, age, smoking and family history.
Coiling or clipping?
Coiling has a lower early risk and faster recovery; clipping is more durable for some aneurysms. Shape and location usually decide.
Can I fly after coiling?
After an uncomplicated elective procedure most people can fly within 1 to 2 weeks. Confirm this with your operator.