Endovascular surgery is far less invasive, with faster recovery times. I can treat an unruptured brain aneurysm and send the patient home the next day — something not possible with regular surgery.
Benefits of Interventional Radiology in Brain Aneurysm and Stroke
Interventional radiology is enabling quicker surgery and recovery time for many of today’s medical complications.
You’ve heard of virtual reality (VR) and artificial reality (AR), but what about interventional radiology (IR)?
Neurointervention specialist, Dr Manish Taneja, tells us more about this medical solution that involves performing minimally-invasive procedures using imaging guidance. This article is part of our guide to brain aneurysm treatment and minimally invasive care. For a complete overview, visit our Brain Aneurysm Treatment Decision Guide.
Common Questions About Minimally Invasive Brain Aneurysm Treatment
What are the minimally invasive treatments for brain aneurysms?
Minimally invasive brain aneurysm treatments use catheter-based techniques to treat aneurysms from inside the blood vessels, without the need for open brain surgery.
The main endovascular treatment options include:
Endovascular coiling
A minimally invasive procedure where soft platinum coils are inserted through a catheter into the aneurysm.
The coils help block blood flow into the aneurysm, reducing the risk of rupture.
Flow diversion
A specialised stent-like device is placed inside the parent artery to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm.
Over time, this encourages the body to naturally heal the weakened blood vessel wall.
Stent-assisted coiling
A small stent is placed to provide support while coils are inserted into the aneurysm, particularly for aneurysms with wider openings.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the aneurysm’s size, location, shape and individual patient factors.
Is minimally invasive treatment better than brain aneurysm surgery?
Minimally invasive treatment and surgical treatment each have advantages depending on the individual aneurysm.
Compared with traditional open surgery, endovascular procedures may offer:
- Smaller access points through the blood vessels
- Less disruption to surrounding brain tissue
- Shorter recovery periods in many cases
- Suitable options for aneurysms that are difficult to reach surgically
However, minimally invasive treatment is not suitable for every aneurysm.
A neurointerventional specialist evaluates factors including:
- Aneurysm location
- Size and shape
- Rupture status
- Patient age and health
- Long-term treatment goals
The safest approach is the one that provides the best balance between reducing rupture risk and minimising treatment risks.
What is the difference between brain aneurysm coiling and flow diversion?
Both coiling and flow diversion are minimally invasive treatments, but they work differently.
| Treatment | How It Works | Common Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Coiling | Coils are placed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow | Often used for many ruptured and unruptured aneurysms |
| Flow diversion | A device redirects blood flow away from the aneurysm | Often considered for selected larger, wide-necked or complex aneurysms |
| Stent-assisted coiling | A stent supports coil placement | Useful for certain aneurysms with challenging shapes |
The choice depends on the aneurysm anatomy and the specialist’s assessment.
Are all brain aneurysms suitable for minimally invasive treatment?
No. Treatment suitability depends on the individual characteristics of the aneurysm.
Factors considered include:
- Aneurysm size
- Aneurysm shape
- Location within the brain circulation
- Whether the aneurysm has ruptured
- Relationship with nearby blood vessels
- Overall patient health
Some aneurysms may be monitored with regular imaging, while others may require intervention.
A detailed assessment with brain and vascular imaging helps determine the most appropriate approach.
What happens during minimally invasive brain aneurysm treatment?
During an endovascular procedure:
- A small catheter is inserted, usually through an artery in the groin or wrist.
- The catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the brain using imaging guidance.
- The aneurysm is treated using coils, flow diversion devices or other specialised techniques.
- Blood flow into the aneurysm is reduced or redirected.
- The catheter is removed and the access site is closed.
Because the procedure is performed through the blood vessels, there is no need for a large surgical opening in the skull.
Interventional radiology (IR) features endovascular surgery. How is it different from regular surgery?
Endovascular surgery is far less invasive, with faster recovery times. I can treat an unruptured brain aneurysm and send the patient home the next day — something not possible with regular surgery. Also, a majority of endovascular procedures are carried out in a cardiac catheterisation lab rather than in the operating theatre.
What conditions and issues require such surgery?
Stroke and related neurovascular diseases, peripheral vascular disease, venous disease including varicose veins, cancer and pain. And when targeting complex locations such as the brain, endovascular surgery is far safer and significantly less invasive. The trend worldwide is to seek an endovascular approach first. Minimallyinvasive surgery is available for treating diseases affecting virtually any system or organ in the body!
Describe the recovery process, and how long it takes.
Recovery is fast with minimal scarring. Most patients go home on the same day or within one to two days after treatment. Surgery is done under sedation mostly, with fast and smooth recovery.
How do you see demand growing over the next few years for interventional radiology?
Interventional radiology is said to be one of the fastest growing fields in medicine, with rapid and radical advances coming up on a regular basis.
Particularly in the last eight to 10 years, numerous new techniques and procedures have been introduced on a regular basis. When I assisted in my first brain aneurysm coiling in 1999, it took almost eight hours. Today, the same aneurysm can be fixed in under 90 minutes with a less than a one per cent risk of stroke. I see tremendous growth coming over the next few years in neurointerventional treatments for stroke and other vascular conditions affecting the brain and the spine.
Newer treatments such as radiofrequency ablation of benign thyroid nodules will become more popular due to better patient acceptance, with very acceptable outcomes. Other growth areas include newer endovascular treatments for vascular and venous disease, cancer treatments, lifestyle-related interventions and interventional pain therapies. (Learn more about the care and treatment options at our specialized brain aneurysm clinic at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore.)
Describe the job satisfaction you enjoy.
I am extremely fortunate to be one of Singapore’s full-time independent interventional radiologists in private practice at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic. I have a really exciting and fulfilling job, and each day brings a different gratifying experience! One day I could be treating a brain aneurysm, or removing a clot in the brain for a patient with acute stroke. Another day, I’d be doing an angioplasty, stenting of an artery in the leg or treating a varicose vein. And the next day may involve treating a liver tumour.
Source: Mount Alvernia Hospital
Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore at Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic, specializes in minimally invasive procedures for conditions such as brain aneurysm. We offer specialized care, prompt attention, and access to advanced imaging technology and procedures.
The Types of Neurointerventional Treatment
There are several types of neurointerventional treatment we treat delivering services centered around your health. If you or a loved one is facing a brain, spine, head, or neck disorder, the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic can help for an array of complex neurointerventional treatments including brain aneurysm, brain AVM, stroke management and prevention, stroke screening, carotid and intracranial stenting, head and neck vascular malformation, and more.
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Discover brain aneurysm resources that go beyond the basics designed for patients. Understand the meaning of a brain aneurysm condition, the causes, symptoms, signs, and more. Connect with your brain health.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your "go-to" facility for various neurointerventional / stroke conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our brain aneurysm specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.