Restoring Blood Flow To The Brain

Evolution of techniques and procedures used to restore blood flow to the brain to areas endangered by stroke or clogged areas as expanded in recent decades which are more geared to restoring compromised regions. Odds of having a good outcome are 2-3 times better now than they would have been 15 years ago for a stroke patient.

Surgeons are able to perform delicate and often intricate microsurgeries to clear clogged arteries and removal of clots that cause strokes with the introduction of operating microscopes, more recently minimally invasive endovascular techniques have begun to be used.

Endovascular techniques do not require the use of invasive open surgery, Catheters are employed that are guided through the brain. The tip of the catheter deploys stents or other devices to restore blood flow. Endovascular techniques have amplified the level of care for many patients whose options were previously limited. Cerebral vascular insufficiency increases the risk of stroke and is a leading cause of disability and neurologic death worldwide, typically caused by atherosclerosis.

Techniques and procedures that are used to improve blood flow are similar in that of both heart and brain procedures which includes stenting, bypass surgery, and balloon angioplasty. Stent retriever a fairly new device, is a self expanding mesh tube attached to a wire, that is guided through the brain to the clot that is blocking blood flow, then it pushes the clot against the blood vessel wall which immediately restore blood flow, the stent retriever then grabs the clot and pulls it out when the catheter is removed by the physician.

Modern endovascular techniques can in essence stop a stroke by removing blockages. Patients with the largest blockages are deriving the greatest benefits. There are 7 clinical trials showing that endovascular techniques significantly restore function according to Joseph C. Serrone, MD.

There has been major advancements over the past 2 decades in the way ischemic strokes are treated with the advent of mechanical thrombectomy and minimally invasive techniques. Normal and productive lives are now often lead by patients who would have at one time been permanently disabled from stroke. Other surgical and endovascular procedures can prevent strokes by restoring blood flow to chronically blocked vessels.