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BJC and Saint Luke’s Officially Combine as BJC Health System

Why choose us for neuroradiology?

BJC HealthCare works with Washington University physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. We believe in comprehensive, expert care for all our patients. You have access to an entire team of specialists who work together to provide safe, effective treatment. Our neuroradiologists and interventional neuroradiologists diagnose and treat a full range of conditions affecting the brain, head, neck and spinal cord.

We offer: 

  • Advanced technology: Our neuroradiologists have access to some of the most advanced imaging tools in the world. Your care may include MRI, positron emission tomography (PET), CT scans, angiography, ultrasound or X-rays.

  • Interventional techniques: Thanks to interventional neuroradiology services, you have access to treatments that result in faster recoveries and better healing. These techniques allow us to offer very targeted treatments with minimal or no incisions.

  • State-of-the-art facilities: Our health system includes the most well-equipped and staffed facility in the St. Louis region for management of neurovascular disorders. Our system is home to two $2 million bi-plane digital angiographic units dedicated to neurovascular procedures.

  • Recognized expertise: The interventional neuroradiology service at the Barnes-Jewish & Washington University Neuroscience Center is the largest in the region and one of the busiest in the country. Our specialists are recognized experts in the field.

What is interventional neuroradiology? 

Interventional neuroradiologists treat disorders of the blood vessels of the brain, spine, head and neck. They use a minimally invasive approach, working from within the blood vessels.

An interventional neuroradiologist uses tiny catheters (tubes) and precise imaging equipment to perform procedures through small incisions. These techniques lead to lower risks and better outcomes.

Conditions neuroradiologists treat

Neuroradiologists diagnose and treat a range of brain and spine conditions. Most often, we treat conditions that affect the blood vessels in the brain or spine, including: 

  • Aneurysm
    An aneurysm is a weakened section of an artery wall. Aneurysms can rupture (burst) and lead to a stroke or death.
  • Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
    An AVM is an irregular connection between veins and arteries in the brain.
  • Carotid cavernous fistulas (CCFs)
    A CCF is an irregular connection between the blood vessel supplying blood to the brain (carotid artery) and the space behind the eye that contains blood from the brain and pituitary gland (cavernous sinus).
  • Carotid, vertebral and cerebral arterial stenoses
    Stenosis refers to narrowing in an artery. This narrowing can occur in the carotid arteries, arteries along the spine (vertebral arteries) or in the brain (cerebral arteries).
  • Spinal malformations
    Irregular tangles of blood vessels form along the spine. These malformations may block blood flow or put pressure on your spinal cord.
  • Stroke
    A stroke occurs when there's a disruption in blood flow in your brain. Stroke requires emergency treatment to minimize brain damage.
  • Vascular tumors
    These tumors form from the cells that make your blood vessels. They can occur anywhere throughout the body.
  • Vasospasm
    Vasospasm occurs when a blood vessel in your brain tightens and narrows suddenly. This is most likely to occur after a brain bleed or ruptured brain aneurysm.
Types of neuroradiology treatments

Interventional neuroradiologists treat disorders of the blood vessels of the brain, spine, head and neck. They use a minimally invasive approach, working from within the blood vessels. An interventional neuroradiologist uses tiny catheters (tubes) and precise imaging equipment to perform procedures through small incisions. These techniques lead to lower risks and better outcomes.

We work closely with neurology, neurosurgery and vascular surgery to evaluate, diagnose and treat these disorders. Our team meets weekly to discuss the most effective treatment approaches for our patients.

Common endovascular techniques and treatments include:

Aneurysm treatment
We may fill an aneurysm with soft platinum coils to block blood flow to the aneurysm. Sometimes we also use stents or balloons to help keep the coils in the right place.
Angiography
We place a catheter in an artery in your groin, then direct the catheter to your blood vessels. Once the catheter is in position, we inject special dye to highlight blood vessels on an X-ray.
AVM catheterization
We treat AVMs by injecting different materials into the blood vessels. This blocks blood supply to the AVM, causing it to shrink.
CCF treatment
Endovascular embolization is the most common treatment for a CCF. We insert a coil into the fistula to block blood flow between the artery and vein.
Arterial stenosis treatment
We open narrowed arteries by inserting balloons inside the affected blood vessels. Sometimes we place a small metal tube called a stent to help keep the artery open.
Stroke treatment
We may use catheter techniques to deliver clot-busting drugs directly to a blood clot. Or we insert special devices through the catheter to remove clots.
Vascular tumor embolization
Embolization blocks blood flow to a tumor. We may perform embolization before surgery to lessen blood loss, making surgery safer and faster.
Vessel dilation
We treat vasospasm by opening arteries with specific drugs and using balloons to widen the blood vessels.
Spine treatment
We use interventional techniques to perform a variety of procedures on the spine, including biopsies, nerve root injections for pain relief and diagnostic discograms (a test for painful spinal discs).
Locations

Schedule your appointment

Call  (314) 362-9355  or  (800) 392-0936  to schedule your appointment with a specialist.

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