Interventional Neuroradiology

We use minimally invasive techniques to treat blood vessel problems in your child’s brain, head, neck or spine.

Call to schedule an appointment with our neurovascular team:

If your pediatric neurosurgeon suspects your child might have a cerebrovascular condition (blood vessel problem in their brain, head, neck or spine), they may collaborate with one of our interventional neuroradiologists.

What Is Interventional Neuroradiology?

Doctors who practice interventional neuroradiology diagnose and treat problems with blood flow and blood vessels in the brain and spine. They make tiny incisions and use small tools such as thin, hollow tubes (catheters) and wires to access areas they might not otherwise be able to reach. Our doctors also use advanced imaging techniques to guide them during procedures.

These minimally invasive techniques help reduce pain, recovery time, hospitalization, blood loss and scarring.

Conditions We Treat

The most common pediatric conditions we diagnose and treat using interventional neuroradiology include:

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): An AVM involves an abnormal “tangle” of blood vessels. It can affect the connections between your arteries and veins in the brain or spinal cord.
Brain aneurysm: This occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, causing the artery to widen or “balloon.”
Stroke: This is rare in children but can occur when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or interrupted. Strokes can be caused by a blood clot or broken blood vessel.
Brain and skull base tumors: A tumor is an abnormal mass or growth of cells. It can be cancerous or noncancerous. Even noncancerous tumors may require treatment because they can press on parts of the nervous system and affect function.

Neurointerventional Radiology Procedures

Our specialists offer a number of procedures to diagnose and treat cerebrovascular conditions:

Angiography: This test allows us to see the brain’s blood vessels. A special injection of dye and imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can show vessel blockages.
Clot treatment: Once we locate a clot, we deliver medicine through a catheter to break up the clot or a use a device to capture it.
Embolization: This technique uses glues, coils or other materials to block arteries that supply blood to diseased tissue. It may be used for AVMs, aneurysms and tumors.
Stent placement: We use tiny tools to insert a small mesh tube (stent) to prop open a blocked artery.

Moments that Count – Ethan’s Brain Aneurysm Story

Pediatric Interventional Neuroradiology: Why Choose Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital?

When you bring your child to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for treatment of a cerebrovascular condition, you’ll find:

Highly skilled subspecialists: A child is not just a small adult. Our neurointerventional surgeons have expertise treating children with cerebrovascular conditions. Our physicians are board certified and fellowship trained in neurointerventional surgery.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care: Children with cerebrovascular conditions often have complex care needs. Our neurologists and neurointerventional surgeons work closely with other pediatric specialists your child may need to ensure seamless, comprehensive care and attention to detail.
Advanced technology: We use state-of-the art equipment to assess and treat our neurology and neurosurgery patients. This includes a partnership with Memorial Healthcare System’s new multimillion-dollar interventional neuroradiology suite.
Provider-parent partnership: You are an essential part of your child’s healthcare team. We listen closely to your input, concerns and questions.
Welcoming environment: Our Child Life Program creates a welcoming environment for children and families so that the hospital experience is less scary. We also have therapy dogs, low-sensory spaces and family areas to make your time here as comfortable and soothing as possible.