by Neurovascular devices are specialized medical instruments used to treat conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord and blood vessels supplying these areas. These minimally invasive devices have revolutionized treatments for many neurological disorders over the past few decades.
Aneurysm Coiling and Stenting
One of the most common applications of Neurovascular Devices is for treatment of brain aneurysms. A brain aneurysm is a weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that bulges out and fills with blood. If an aneurysm bursts or ruptures, it causes a stroke known as a hemorrhagic stroke.
Coiling and stenting procedures use thin wires, coils or stents to reinforce the walls of aneurysms without open surgery. In coiling, tiny platinum coils are inserted through a catheter into the aneurysm. This causes the blood to clot inside, sealing off the bulge. For larger or more complicated aneurysms, stents may be implanted to widen and support the vessel.
These minimally invasive endovascular techniques allow treatment of both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. Coiling and stenting have significantly lower risks than open craniotomy surgery, resulting in shorter recovery times and hospital stays for patients. However, long term follow up is still needed to monitor for rebleeding.
Mechanical Thrombectomy for Stroke
Another leading application of neurovascular technology is mechanical thrombectomy devices used to remove blood clots causing ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes are the most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. They occur when a blood clot blocks an artery and stops blood flow to part of the brain.
These specialized catheters have stent-like structures or retrievable meshes that can be navigated into narrowed brain arteries. Once positioned past the clot, they capture and extract the clot. Several randomized controlled trials demonstrated thrombectomy devices significantly improve outcomes when performed within 6-24 hours of symptom onset. Combined with “clot busting” drug therapy, they have become the standard of care for severe ischemic strokes caused by large vessel occlusion.
Spinal Angiography and Embolization
Neurovascular devices are also revolutionizing treatment of various spinal conditions. Spinal angiography uses imaging to visualize the blood vessels supplying the spine and spinal cord. Through tiny catheters inserted in the groin or arm, interventional radiologists can access spinal arteries to deliver embolization coils, glues or other embolic agents.
Embolization is commonly used to cut off the blood supply to spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are abnormal tangles of enlarged blood vessels. It can also control spinal bleeding from injuries, tumors or other lesions. Precise embolization prevents the need for major open spine surgery in many cases, speeding recovery. The minimally invasive nature avoids risks of surgery such as blood loss, infection andnew neurological deficits.
Future Directions in Neurovascular Devices Technology
Advances are ongoing to develop even less invasive neurovascular devices. Miniature robotic catheter systems show promise to navigate tortuous brain arteries with greater control and precision than manual manipulation alone. New coiling and stenting materials aim to improve aneurysm sealing rates.
Trials also explore using flow diverters, a sophisticated web-like stent, to treat giant or hard to coil aneurysms. Flow diverters work by reconstructing damaged arteries and diverting blood flow away from aneurysms.
As design and delivery methods continue improving, neurointerventional treatments will likely benefit more patients. Along with growing physician training, this will help establish endovascular therapies as first-line options for various previously surgically treated brain and spine conditions. Overall, neurovascular devices have drastically altered neurological care by providing less risky alternatives to open surgery. Future innovations aim to maximize those benefits.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research.
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it.
Ravina Pandya, a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals.
