Neuroendovascular Surgery Program

The UCSF Neuroendovascular Surgery Program specializes in using minimally invasive methods to diagnose and treat all types of cerebrovascular disorders (those involving blood vessels of the brain, head, neck or spine). These conditions range from birthmarks created by abnormal blood vessels to life-threatening blockages and aneurysms. For these advanced procedures, a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is navigated through the blood vessels under X-ray guidance and used to bring miniature surgical tools to the site of the problem. Working through a very small incision, the doctor threads the catheter through arteries and veins to the area of concern and can then view and repair the problem.

Working from within the blood vessels is typically easier on patients than traditional surgery. They recover more quickly, spend less time in the hospital and have lower risks of complications.

Our program brings together a variety of specialists, including neurosurgeons, neurointerventional radiologists, vascular neurologists and specialized nurse practitioners. Working as a collaborative team, we provide the full spectrum of diagnostic services and treatments for both adults and children. Our surgeons are experienced in cutting-edge techniques, such as robotic-assisted surgery, and our radiologists use state-of-the-art imaging to evaluate and treat cerebrovascular conditions. For patients with around-the-clock needs, we provide highly specialized treatment at the UCSF Neurointensive Care Unit, located on our Parnassus campus.

Our doctors perform more than 1,000 neuroendovascular procedures a year, making us one of the most experienced programs of this kind in the country. As a result of the high level of care we provide, UCSF has been certified as a comprehensive stroke center by the Joint Commission. In fact, our outcomes for stroke patients consistently exceed national comprehensive stroke center guidelines.

We have also been designated a center of excellence for cerebral cavernous malformation care by the Angioma Alliance and a center of excellence for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) care by Cure HHT. The doctors in our program also provide care for patients at the UCSF Birthmarks and Vascular Anomalies Center and the Pulsatile Tinnitus Clinic.

Our program is also committed to research focused on developing new methods of diagnosing and treating disorders involving the blood vessels of the brain, head, neck and spine.