Neurointerventional Radiology in Tampa

Neurointerventional radiology is practiced by specialty trained physicians who utilize an endovascular approach to treat vascular diseases of the central nervous system. This means that they treat disorders of the brain, spine and neck by accessing a large blood vessel through incisions typically in the groin. Using sophisticated imaging equipment, neurointerventional radiologists can advance specialized tools into the brain or spine to block abnormalities within the vessels to protect from hemorrhage or to open up blocked arteries to improve the blood flow.

For the patient, that means smaller incisions, shorter hospital stays, less recovery time and fewer complications than traditional brain surgery.

The Neuroscience Institute utilizes advanced bi-plane neuroangiography technology, which provides the physician with 3-D, high-definition views of the brain, neck or spine to clearly identify the problem and to monitor the procedure’s progress as it happens.

The bi-plane system has two rotating cameras that create detailed three-dimensional images of the blood vessels leading to and within the brain. This advanced system produces images simultaneously from two regions of a patient’s head, from front to back and side to side. This decreases the amount of time it takes to complete a neurological angiogram.

An ischemic stroke occurs when a clot obstructs the flow of blood in the brain. In many cases, a clot-busting drug called tPA can quickly break apart clots, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow. In cases where tPA is not effective or where patients can't safely receive the medication, a mechanical thrombectomy can be effective in removing the clot. In this minimally invasive procedure, a neurointerventional radiologist uses specialized equipment and advanced imaging to pull the clot out of the brain through a small incision in the leg or arm. A long, thin tube called a catheter guides the clot-retrieving device through the arteries in the body and into the brain, where the blockage can be safely removed.

In clinical trials, mechanical thrombectomy has been proven to be effective in reducing disability in patients up to 24 hours after the onset of stroke. AdventHealth Tampa was one of the first hospitals in Florida to institute stroke protocols that allow for treatment of stroke four times later than the standard six hours using mechanical thrombectomy.

A Sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) block is used to treat migraines and relieve chronic headache pain.

The SPG contains sensory nerves, including the trigeminal nerve which is the main nerve involved in headache disorders, such as migraines or chronic cluster headaches. The numbing agent blocks pain receptors in the SPG from sending out pain signals, thus relieving headache pain for patients. Patients are awake for the entire procedure. Temporary pain relief can come as quickly as a few minutes after the procedure and last for hours. Patients can have the procedure at one to two-week intervals. Side effects are mild and may include sore throat, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or worsening headache. Side effects typically last less than 24 hours. The SPG intranasal catheter may be an effective solution for patients suffering from chronic migraines and when other relief options are not working.