Neurointerventional Radiology

Neurointerventional Radiology Procedures We Perform

We perform neurointerventional radiology procedures in a sophisticated suite with the latest equipment and imaging technology.

Areas of expertise include:

Stroke Treatment and Prevention

UMass Memorial is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. We offer more neurointerventional emergency stroke treatments than any other hospital in the state.

Options include:  

• Thrombolysis: Neurointerventional radiologists delive clot-busting drugs through a vein to restore blood flow to the brain.
• Mechanical thrombectomy: We use a device to remove clots that do not respond to medications. 
• Stent placement: We place hollow mesh tubes (stents) in narrowed arteries to prevent a stroke.

Brain Aneurysm Treatment

UMass Memorial is a leader in minimally invasive treatments for brain aneurysms. This condition occurs when a weak spot in a blood vessel bulges and fills with blood. Aneurysms that burst (rupture) can be life-threatening.

We prevent and treat them with neurointerventional radiology procedures that include: 

• Flow diverter technology: Experts at UMass Memorial pioneered the development and use of this device. We place it in the artery to divert blood flow away from an aneurysm.
• Coil embolization: Neurointerventional radiologists place curled platinum coils in the aneurysm. The coil expands to fit the bulge’s shape, preventing blood from entering. 
• Balloon- or stent-assisted coil embolization: This method is for aneurysms with a wide opening and those in large vessels. We may use a tiny balloon to widen a narrowed vessel, place a stent to keep it open and use a coil to fill the aneurysm. 

Neurointerventional Procedures for Chronic Back Pain

If standard back pain therapies are not successful, you still have options. Neurointerventional radiologists offer advanced procedures to relieve pain from spinal compression and compression fractures.

Treatments for chronic back pain resulting from spinal compression include: 

• Kyphoplasty: We inflate a tiny balloon in the fracture to relieve compression and fill it with bone cement. This procedure restores the natural shape of the bone and stabilizes your spine. Learn more about kyphoplasty.
• Vertebroplasty: Neurointerventional radiologists inject bone cement through a small skin puncture directly into a fractured vertebra. Find out more about vertebroplasty.
• Spinal radiofrequency ablation: This treatment destroys targeted areas of nerve tissue, preventing it from sending pain signals to the brain. 

Refer a Patient

UMass Memorial providers can refer patients through EPIC. Community providers can receive assistance through Physician Concierge Services (PCS). You can also reach PCS by calling 800-431-5151 or emailing pcs@umassmemorial.org.