FAQs

Frequently asked questions about interventional neuroradiological procedures:

This depends on the type of vascular abnormality you have. Whilst I specialise in treatments of abnormal blood vessels or the brain or spine through the vessels (endovascular techniques), I work with world leading neurosurgeons and neurologists as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT).  Your case will be discussed in our MDT team meeting where all treatment options will be considered.

Serious side effects are uncommon. The specific risks for your condition or treatment will be fully discussed with you.

It is often necessary to take antiplatelet medications, aspirin and prasugrel, after the procedure (particularly important when treating aneurysms with stents).  These protect against some of the risk of stroke.  The medication might be continued for 6 months or more.

Most endovascular treatments take a few hours. Occasionally they can taken much longer, often when the vessels are very difficult to get into due to multiple twists and turns (tortuosity).

Should everything have gone well during the procedure you would normally remain in hospital for 2 or 3 days.

As the actual surgical wound is a small cut at the top of the leg, this wound healing is very fast.  Sometimes patients experience headaches and other symptoms for a week or so following the procedure, hence a short period of time off work is usually recommended.