Brain Tumour Embolization

Brain tumour embolization is a specialized minimally invasive endovascular procedure used to reduce the blood supply to highly vascular brain tumours before surgery. By blocking the arteries feeding the tumour, embolization helps minimize surgical bleeding, improve tumour removal, and enhance overall surgical safety.

Our expert neurointerventional team utilizes advanced imaging and catheter-based techniques to perform brain tumour embolization as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for patients with complex brain tumours.

What is Brain Tumour Embolization?

Brain tumour embolization is a procedure in which tiny particles, liquid embolic agents, or coils are delivered through a catheter to block blood vessels supplying a brain tumour. The goal is to reduce blood flow to the tumour, making surgical removal safer and more effective. In selected cases, embolization may also help relieve symptoms caused by tumour-related vascularity.

Why is Brain Tumour Embolization Performed?

Highly vascular brain tumours can bleed significantly during surgery, increasing surgical complexity and risks. Embolization helps by:

• Reducing blood flow to the tumour
• Minimizing intraoperative blood loss
• Improving surgical visibility
• Facilitating safer tumour removal
• Reducing operative time
• Enhancing overall treatment outcomes

The procedure is often performed one to three days before tumour surgery.

Conditions Treated with Brain Tumour Embolization

Brain tumour embolization may be recommended for:

• Meningiomas
• Hemangioblastomas
• Glomus tumours
• Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas
• Hypervascular metastatic brain tumours
• Skull base tumours
• Selected intracranial neoplasms with significant blood supply

Treatment suitability depends on tumour type, size, location, and vascular anatomy.

Symptoms of Brain Tumours

Symptoms vary depending on tumour location and size but may include:

• Persistent headaches
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Weakness or numbness
• Difficulty speaking
• Memory problems
• Balance and coordination difficulties
• Hearing changes
• Nausea and vomiting

Prompt evaluation and advanced imaging are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

How is Brain Tumour Embolization Performed?

• Step 1: Diagnostic Evaluation
  

  Advanced imaging studies may include:

  • MRI Brain
  • CT Scan
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • MR Angiography
  • CT Angiography
• Step 2: Catheter Navigation
  A small catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin and navigated to the blood vessels supplying the tumour.
• Step 3: Embolic Agent Delivery
  Specialized embolic materials are carefully injected to block tumour-feeding arteries
• Step 4: Post-Procedure Assessment
  Imaging is performed to confirm successful reduction of tumour vascularity before planned surgery.

Benefits of Brain Tumour Embolization

• Reduced surgical bleeding
• Improved surgical safety
• Better visualization during tumour removal
• Potentially shorter surgery duration
• Lower need for blood transfusions
• Enhanced tumour resection outcomes
• Minimally invasive approach
• Faster recovery compared to open vascular procedures

Recovery After Embolization

Most patients recover quickly after the procedure.

Recovery typically includes:

• Short hospital stay
• Neurological monitoring
• Pain management if needed
• Follow-up imaging
• Preparation for planned tumour surgery

Risks and Potential Complications

While generally safe, potential risks may include:

• Stroke
• Bleeding
• Blood vessel injury
• Brain swelling
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to contrast material
• Temporary neurological symptoms

Why Choose Our Neurovascular & Neuro-Oncology Team?

• Expertise in complex neurovascular procedures
• Advanced brain tumour embolization techniques
• State-of-the-art angiography suites
• Collaborative neuro-oncology and neurosurgery care
• Personalized treatment planning
• Comprehensive brain tumour management
• Multidisciplinary neuroscience team

We are committed to delivering innovative, minimally invasive solutions that improve surgical outcomes and patient safety.