Within the brain, there is a network of blood vessels that deliver blood enriched with oxygen and nutrients. When blood flow within the brain becomes restricted, this can cause severe problems. This is called neurovascular disease.
One type of neurovascular condition is a stroke. A stroke is a sudden interruption of the blood supply to the brain, which prevents oxygen and nutrients from being carried to the brain. This is a complex occurrence with many causes and symptoms.
Fast treatment is crucial for strokes and other neurovascular conditions because this prevents long-term damage and death.
At Weill Cornell Medicine, our team of experienced and highly compassionate interventional radiologists provide leading therapies and treatments for stroke and neurovascular conditions — including diagnosis, fast treatment and recovery care.
Compassionate, individualized care: Our interventional radiologists offer personalized care, tailoring your treatment to your medical history, lifestyle and wellness goals. We are especially skilled in diagnosing and understanding strokes and other neurovascular conditions using advanced imaging tools. We then treat these conditions with minimally invasive procedures.
As a patient, you will receive around-the-clock coverage, as well as access to in-person, video or phone consultations. We strive to get our patients in quickly with minimal wait time.
Our personalized approach — combined with our use of leading technology and treatment options — offers patients the best possible chance of optimal health and well-being. We care for patients from before your diagnosis to after your recovery, prioritizing your personal goals for a vibrant, full life.
Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists. Your interventional radiologist may consult with experts in neurology and other medical professionals as needed.
Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
Weill Cornell Medicine interventional radiologists are highly trained experts who can diagnose and treat:
Brain aneurysm: A weak or bulging area in the wall of an artery that supplies blood to the brain, which increases the risk for stroke.
Arteriovenous malformation: A tangle of blood vessels that grow in the brain, which cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, sensory disturbance or loss of consciousness.
Dural arteriovenous fistula: A collection or tangle of blood vessels in the thick covering surrounding the brain, the dura mater, which can cause headache, ringing in the ears, difficulty seeing and other symptoms.
Cavernous hemangioma: A collection or tangle of thin-walled blood vessels within the brain tissue.
Stroke: There are many types of stroke, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted:
● Ischemic embolic strokes are caused when a blood clot is formed elsewhere in the body and travels to arteries in the brain
● Ischemic thrombotic strokes are caused when a blood clot occurs in the brain itself
● Intracerebral hemorrhage is bleeding within the brain
● Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding within the space between the brain and the membranes surrounding it (the subarachnoid space)
These conditions are serious and can lead to brain damages if not treated quickly. At Weill Cornell Medicine, there are many physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating neurovascular conditions rapidly, including our team of interventional radiologists.
At Weill Cornell Medicine, our interventional radiology team specializes in providing targeted diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment to help our patient achieve the best possible outcomes and lifelong health. Treatment options include:
Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture is often referred to as an “LP” or “spinal tap.” This procedure is used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions, including meningitis, cancers involving the brain or spinal cord, as well as inflammatory conditions that cause headaches. During a lumbar puncture, your doctor will collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or inject medications. CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord that supports the nervous system and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
During a lumbar puncture, you will lie on your side and hug your knees so that your spine is arched. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb. Your doctor will then insert a hollow needle into the space in your spine where CSF is located. CSF will be drawn out slowly; about one tablespoon will be collected. If needed, your doctor will also inject medication through the hollow needle. The CSF will be tested for a variety of conditions.
A lumbar puncture can be performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to return home the same day. You may experience discomfort during and after the procedure, but our care team is here to help you minimize all pain and uncomfortable side effects.
Endovascular (coiling) treatment: This technique includes placing platinum coils into the specific site of an aneurysm using thin tubes (catheters). The coils are very small, no larger than twice the width of a human hair.
Using advanced imaging technology to visualize the brain’s vessels, a catheter with the coil attached is inserted into the groin and guided to the specific area of the brain. When the coil reaches the site of the aneurysm, the coil is separated from the catheter and left in place permanently in the aneurysm, which stops blood from getting into the aneurysm (embolization).
Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy: A catheter (thin tube) is inserted into the groin and directed to a blood clot. Medication is delivered from the tube to the clot to dissolve it.
Carotid artery angioplasty: A catheter (thin tube) is inserted into the groin and directed to a narrowed area in a vein. An angioplasty treatment widens the vein. During this treatment, an inflatable balloon is inserted into the spot where the vein has narrowed, inflated and deflated several times before removal.
Carotid stenting: In cases of severe narrowing, a stent may be placed inside the vein to keep it open. A stent is a small tube made of metal mesh. It is inserted using catheters (thin tubes) to the specific area of the vein that has narrowed. It remains in the vein after the procedure.
Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion.
The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Interventional Radiology offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote long-term physical and mental health.
Interventional radiology procedures generally do not receive general anesthesia. Instead, your care team will generally numb the incision area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, an intravenous (IV) line will deliver sedation, which will make you more comfortable and relaxed during your procedure. Some patients fall asleep during the procedure.
Your sedation level will depend on your specific procedure, age and medical condition:
● Minimal sedation: You will be drowsy but able to talk.
● Moderate sedation: You may fall asleep and be unaware of your surroundings for some of the procedure.
Deep sedation: You will be asleep but will breathe on your own. You will have very little memory of the procedure.
Most procedures require a minimum recovery of four hours in our care (this is called an “outpatient procedure”). For other interventional radiology procedures, you may need to stay one night in the hospital before being discharged. Your care team will inform you of your expected recovery time prior to your procedure.
You will not be able to drive after your procedure. Be sure to arrange for someone else to accompany you to your procedure and take you home.
The length of time varies by procedure. Most interventional radiology treatments are minimally invasive procedures, which offer several benefits:
● Shorter procedures than traditional surgery
● Less exposure to anesthesia
● Smaller incisions
● Quicker recovery after the procedures
Most procedures require three healthcare professionals:
● Interventional Radiologist (MD)
● Radiology nurse
● X-Ray technologist
● On occasion, a medical student and/or resident may be present
● Bring all medications in their labeled containers with you on the day of your procedure
● Blood work is required prior to most procedures
● Please ensure that you have not had anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
● Shower or bathe the evening before or the morning of the procedure
● Please leave jewelry and other valuables at home; we are not responsible for items that you bring into the hospital
● Plan on being at the hospital for at least 4 hours
● Plan on resting for 12 hours post procedure
● Do not drink alcohol 48 hours before or after your procedure
● You MUST have a responsible adult to drive you home
● Do not operate a vehicle or heavy machinery for the remainder of that day after the procedure
You will receive instruction when scheduling the procedure and one to two days before the procedure that explains your medication and food restrictions. Our standard protocol when anticipating sedation is to not to eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure. You may have clear fluids (such as water) up to two hours before. If you eat anything less than eight hours, your procedure may be cancelled.
If you have a contrast allergy, there are medications that can be prescribed for you to take prior to your procedure to help protect you against your allergy. These medications can help block your body’s response to an allergen.
Because interventional radiology procedures are minimally invasive, the pain is much less than with traditional surgery. However, it is possible to experience minimal pain at the insertion site. Our care team will be sure to help manage your pain so that you feel as comfortable as possible.
Our office has a team of schedulers that can assist you in scheduling your procedure. The schedulers can be reached at (646) 962-5757.
While radiation does have safety concerns, your interventional radiologist will be specially trained in the safe use of radiation and on how to minimize the risks associated. Interventional radiologists use federal guidelines on the recommended safe doses to use during specific treatments.