Cerebral Angioplasty
Cerebral angioplasty is a procedure that treats stenosis (narrowing) or complete occlusion (blockage) of the blood vessel in the brain. As a result, this procedure results in reducing blood flow and oxygen supply. Consequently, this can lead to strokes or other neurological issues. Cerebral angioplasty in India is a skilled endovascular procedure performed by a neurointerventional radiologist or interventional neuroradiologists. In simple words, cerebral angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat blockage in the blood vessels of the brain. Specifically, this technique is performed with a catheter, a thin tube, used to access and repair narrow or blocked vessels, therefore this also restores proper blood flow to the brain.
Procedure to perform cerebral angioplasty
Procedure to perform cerebral angioplasty include:
- Before starting the procedure of cerebral angioplasty, local anesthesia is given to the patient. To access the blood vessels a small incision (cut) is made on the ground or wrist. A thin and flexible catheter is threaded through the arteries, leading to the area in the brain. X ray and imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy are used to guide the catheter accurately.
- After finding the exact location of the blockage, a small balloon at its tip is inflated. The force or pressure utilized by the balloon compresses the plaque or clot against the vessel wall, expanding the blocked or narrowed segment. In a few cases, a stent ( a small tube) is placed to provide structural support and maintain the vessel's patency.
- After the angioplasty is completed, the balloon is deflated and the catheter is removed.
- The flow of blood in the vessel is restored, reducing the risk of stroke or other brain related complications.
Conditions treated with cerebral angioplasty
Cerebral angioplasty is performed to open the blocked vertebral and carotid arteries in the brain. This is performed in the neck and blood vessels in the brain.
Conditions that are treated with cerebral angioplasty include:
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary artery disease
Candidate for cerebral angioplasty
Cerebral angioplasty is recommended for the patient with these conditions:
- Patient with carotid artery blockage of 70% or more
- People with health conditions like heart attack or lung disease
- Already performed carotid endarterectomy and experiencing restenosis
- The exact place of the stenosis is hard to find with carotid endarterectomy
- Frequent attacks of syncope that can be a serious stroke
Risk and complications of cerebral angioplasty
The common side effects of cerebral angioplasty include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to contrast material
Some of the common complications of cerebral angioplasty include:
- Stroke
- Injury
- Kidney damage
- Heart attack
- Blood clots
- Heart arrhythmia
- Restenosis
Benefits of cerebral angioplasty
Some of the benefits of cerebral angioplasty that make it more approachable:
- It is a type of less invasive approach than carotid endarterectomy, traditional surgery that treats blocked carotid arteries.
- This surgery can be performed when the patient is in awake condition. This takes less time to recover.
- It is also beneficial in restoring blood flow through past blocked carotid arteries. This leads to decreasing the risk of stroke.
Cost of cerebral angioplasty in India
The cost of cerebral angioplasty in India is affordable, yet there is no compromise on the quality of treatment. In fact, the cost of the treatment is way more cost-effective than in other nations.
Moreover, India is a hub of medical treatments, with international patients approaching for advanced treatments at an affordable cost, and that too without compromising the quality of treatment. India has experienced and skilled healthcare professionals, along with advanced medical facilities. As a result, India is among the leading countries providing the best medical facilities.
However, the total cost of the treatment may vary depending on various factors, such as the choice of hospital, the length of stay at the hospital, the expertise of the surgeon, the type of surgery, the components used in the surgery, and more.
Summary
Cerebral angioplasty is a procedure that treats stenosis (narrowing) or complete occlusion (blockage) of the blood vessel in the brain.
In simple words, cerebral angioplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat blockage in the blood vessels of the brain.
This technique is performed with a catheter, a thin tube, used to access and repair narrow or blocked vessels.
