Neurointerventional Radiology
Until recently, surgery was often the only option for treating conditions affecting the blood vessels of the brain and spine—and many of those conditions were considered untreatable. The advance of computer and imaging technologies, combined with new medical devices, such as tiny microcatheter tubes, has opened up new, minimally invasive treatment options and created a growing medical specialty.
At Sutter, our neurointerventional radiologists use these minimally invasive procedures to treat cerebral or brain aneurysms, stroke, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and other vascular conditions, including vein of galen malformations and fistulas in children and adults.
Many names for the same subspecialty
The relative newness of the specialty accounts for why it’s known by several names: neurointerventional radiology, interventional neuroradiology, endovascular neurosurgery and surgical neuroradiology. Taken together, the names convey the idea that neurointerventional radiologists treat (interventional) brain and spine conditions (neuro), use imaging technology (radiology) and often perform procedures (surgical) from within the blood vessels (endovascular) rather than by traditional surgeries that require opening the skull.
What it offers
Interventional neuroradiologists use image guidance to deliver treatments directly at the source using very small instruments inserted into blood vessels. Some examples include:
- Treating strokes by going into the affected blood vessel and removing the clot or delivering clot-thinning medication directly to the clot
- Preventing aneurysms from bursting by moving through the blood vessel to where the weakened blood vessel wall is bulging and placing a tiny tube (stent) that reinforces the blood vessel or depositing materials, such as tiny detachable platinum coils, that stop blood (embolization) from flowing into the weakened area. Similar techniques can also be used to repair blood vessel malformations of the brain and spine
This rapidly advancing field of medicine is offering new hope for Sutter patients and families with conditions once considered dangerous, difficult or impossible to treat.
Collaborative Care
At Sutter, our neurointerventional radiologists work in tandem with Sutter Neuroscience Institute, including Sutter Stroke Center, specialists and staff to diagnose and treat complex blood vessel conditions. For patients and their families, this collaborative effort provides a peace of mind that comes from knowing doctors can choose the best approach to each patient’s care from a range of options that includes the latest neurointerventional radiology advances.
Our multidisciplinary, patient-first approach means that you have a team of medical experts working together to provide the best care for you or your loved one. And as part of the Sutter Health family, our neurointerventional radiologists are also closely connected to Sutter hospitals and rehabilitation facilities for ongoing care and long-term recovery.
Sutter Neurointerventional Radiologist
Sutter Neurointerventional Radiologist, Letizia Antonietti, M.D. is fellowship trained in neurointerventional radiology.
Contact Us
For more information about Sutter’s neurointerventional radiology services, call our office at (916) 454-6850.