As we breathe, oxygen passes through the lining of the lungs’ air sacs into arteries. These arteries transport oxygenated blood throughout the body, including to the brain. When cerebral diseases restrict this blood flow, revascularization surgery can help eliminate the risk of mini-strokes, strokes, brain hemorrhages, and other dangerous symptoms. Schedule a consultation today to see how the award-winning surgeons at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics help patients overcome cerebral diseases with cutting-edge revascularization surgery throughout New Jersey and New York.
Conditions Treated with Revascularization Surgery
Like all the organs in the body, the brain must receive a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood to maintain its critical functions. Numerous conditions can restrict blood flow, and thus, the brain’s oxygen supply, including all of the following:
Moyamoya Disease
When the arteries at the base of the brain are constricted, the brain attempts to compensate with a cluster of small, cloud-like arteries. This condition often causes seizures, strokes, involuntary movements, difficulty with speaking, bleeding in the brain, and even death when untreated.
Aneurysm
Aneurysms occur when an artery enlarges, weakening its walls. Aneurysms may eventually leak or rupture, and patients often experience headaches behind one eye, vision issues, numbness on one side of the face, or a dilated pupil before this occurs. Certain aneurysm treatments may require revascularization surgery for complete treatment.
Skull Base Tumors
Tumors that develop inside or around arteries entering the skull often cause headaches, vision challenges, hearing loss, balance issues, trouble breathing, and more. As they grow, the tumors can limit or block arterial blood flow. Revascularization surgery allows for complete removal of the tumor while maintaining adequate blood flow to the brain.
Carotid Stenosis
Deposits of atherosclerotic plaque in a carotid artery, the primary blood vessels supplying blood to the brain, can cause narrowing or blockages that prevent normal blood flow. There are often no symptoms, but this buildup may eventually cause a stroke.
Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
As with carotid artery stenosis, this condition narrows and blocks arteries within the skull, limiting blood flow and perfusion to specific areas of the brain.
Revascularization Treatments
After a thorough physical examination, detailed medical history, and diagnostic imaging, our neurosurgeons will determine the best revascularization surgery for your condition. These typically include:
Bypass Revascularization Surgery
During a bypass procedure, blood flow is redirected around narrowed or blocked arteries to ensure the brain receives adequate oxygen. These procedures include:
- Direct bypass: During this procedure, a branch of a healthy artery is detached from its original location and redirected inside the skull to restore blood flow to the brain. Results are immediate, and blood flow can continue to improve in the coming months.
- Indirect bypass: In this procedure, a healthy artery is moved from the scalp and/or dura and then grafted to the brain’s surface. Over time, new arteries will grow from the graft, increasing blood flow over a period of months.
Percutaneous Carotid Intervention
Formerly called angioplasty with stent, this procedure restores blood flow to an artery that has narrowed or become completely blocked by the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque. Your surgeon will use fluoroscopy, a kind of live X-ray imaging, and contrast dye to guide the insertion of a thin tube with a balloon tip via access from the groin or arm. The balloon is then inflated, widening the artery to its previous size. A stent is left inside the artery to keep it open, prevent plaque from breaking off, and encourage blood flow.
Carotid Endarterectomy
In this procedure, the carotid artery is opened under direct microscopic visualization to remove plaque that can lead to strokes and neurological deficits. The vessel is then closed and sometimes even enlarged with a patch to improve brain flow to the brain.
No matter which revascularization surgery is most appropriate, our team will explain the procedure and its risks. Your surgeon will also answer your questions about preparing for treatment and recovery times so you can feel confident and comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.
Learn More about Revascularization Surgery with IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics
Revascularization surgery offers a minimally invasive method for restoring blood flow to the brain and preventing the dangerous symptoms of cerebral conditions that cause narrowed or blocked arteries. To learn more about this procedure and other treatments for patients in NJ and NY, contact us today.
