Cerebral catheterization: what it is, what it is for and possible risks

Content:

Cerebral catheterization consists of the placement of a thin flexible tube, known as a catheter, in a vessel of the brain and aims to remove any obstruction and allow the passage of blood.

Cerebral catheterization is widely used as a form of treatment for ischemic stroke, in which there is a clot that is preventing the flow of blood in a vessel in the brain and that needs to be removed to avoid serious sequelae, such as paralysis or even death. Understand better what ischemic stroke is.

This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and in the absence of complications, the person is released from the hospital 48 hours after the procedure.

what is it for

Cerebral catheterization is indicated 24 hours after the onset of stroke symptoms and is recommended for people who have a large blockage in a cerebral artery or in people whose treatment by administering anticoagulant drugs directly into the vein has not been effective. See other ways to treat stroke.

The brain cannot withstand the lack of blood and oxygen for a long time, so it is important that catheterization is performed as soon as possible to avoid the appearance of sequelae. Thus, the success of treatment depends on the extent and time that vessel obstruction has occurred.

How is done

Brain catheterization is done by placing the catheter, a flexible tube, which goes from an artery located in the groin to the vessel in the brain that is obstructed, so that the clot is removed.

In order for the doctor to be able to guide the catheter to the brain vessel, a contrast substance is injected and the procedure is performed with the aid of an X-ray machine, which allows the doctor to observe the vessels and the catheter, guiding it to the correct location.

Catheterization is done under general anesthesia to keep the person still and comfortable. If there are no complications, the person can be released from the hospital 48 hours after the procedure.

possible risks

Just like any other surgical procedure, brain catheterization can have some risks, such as:

  • Rupture and bleeding of a vessel;
  • Generalized infection;
  • Allergic reaction to contrast material.

Despite the risks, this procedure is considered safe and quite efficient, being able to avoid stroke sequelae, which can be much more serious and debilitating than the risks of catheterization. Learn about the  main sequelae of a stroke.