Head and Brain Procedures

HEAD and BRAIN SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Aneurysm Clipping

This surgical procedure is performed to treat an aneurysm, a bulge in the wall of an artery, inside the skull. Aneurysms can often become so large that they rupture or leak. In this procedure, a small, metal clip is applied to the base of the aneurysm to prevent blood leakage.

Bifrontal Craniotomy for Tumor

This surgery is used to remove a tumor from the frontal lobe of the brain. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay.

Burr Hole Drainage

This procedure creates one or more holes in the skull to release excess fluid pressure in the brain caused by a chronic subdural hematoma (blood clot on the brain). It can be performed under local anesthesia.

Coil Embolization for Brain Aneurysm

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to treat an aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of an artery) inside the skull. Aneurysms can often become so large that they rupture or leak. In this procedure, a small, soft metal coil is placed inside the aneurysm to help block the flow of blood and prevent rupture.

Craniectomy for Chiari Malformation (Foramen Magnum Decompression)

This surgery is used to treat Chiari malformation, an abnormality that results in a part of the brain extending into the upper spinal canal. During the procedure, small sections of bone are removed from the rear of the skull and spine to create more space for the errant brain tissue.

Cranioplasty

This reconstructive surgical procedure is performed to correct congenital problems of the skull, or to repair the skull after a traumatic injury or medical procedure. During the procedure, a custom plate made from porous plastic or titanium is fitted over the defect in the skull, restoring the skull to its normal shape.

Craniotomy for Epidural Hematoma

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for removal of a blood clot between the skull and the dura (the membrane that surrounds the brain). Epidural hematomas commonly result from trauma to the head, and can place harmful pressure on the brain.

Craniotomy for Intracerebral Hematoma

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for removal of a blood clot inside the brain. Intracerebral hematomas can result from trauma to the head. They can also occur spontaneously in patients with abnormally high blood pressure, or a blood vessel abnormality. Intracerebral hematomas can place harmful pressure on the brain.

Craniotomy for Meningioma (Brain Tumor)

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for removal of a meningioma. This type of tumor is found in the dura – the fibrous membrane between the brain and skull. The surgery usually requires several hours to complete, depending on the location and size of the meningioma.

Craniotomy for Subdural Hematoma

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for removal of a blood clot on the surface of the brain. Subdural hematomas commonly result from trauma to the head, and can place harmful pressure on the brain.

Craniotomy for Tumor

This procedure, performed under general anesthesia, creates an opening through the skull for brain tumor removal. The surgery usually requires between two to five hours to complete. The length of surgery depends on the type and size of the tumor.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

This is a treatment for certain problems in your brain. It involves placing electrodes into your brain to control abnormal brain signals. It can help manage a wide range of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and Tourette syndrome.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Frameless Method

This is a treatment for certain problems in your brain. It involves placing electrodes into your brain to control abnormal brain signals. DBS can help manage a wide range of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy and Tourette syndrome.

Embolization for Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

This minimally-invasive procedure is used to treat a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a tangle of enlarged vessels that can potentially hemorrhage and cause a devastating stroke. In this procedure, fast-drying glue or a small, soft metal coil is placed inside the AVM to help block the flow of blood and prevent hemorrhage.

Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia

This procedure eliminates (or greatly reduces) the sharp bursts of pain in the facial nerves caused by trigeminal neuralgia. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a short hospital stay.

Ommaya Reservoir Placement

During this procedure, the surgeon places a small dome-shaped reservoir beneath the scalp and connects it to a fluid-filled cavity in the brain. Once in position, the ommaya reservoir can be used to administer medications or to withdraw fluid.

Resection of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation

In this procedure, performed under general anesthesia, the surgeon opens the skull to remove an abnormal tangle of enlarged blood vessels called a cerebral arteriovenous malformation (or AVM). This procedure is generally used for small AVMs that are located on or near the surface of the brain.

Stereotactic Biopsy

In this surgical procedure, the physician takes a small sample of tissue from the brain through a hole in the skull. Stereotactic biopsy is commonly used to take a sample from a tumor. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and requires at least an overnight hospital stay.

Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)

This nonsurgical procedure is used to treat an arteriovenous malformation (also called an AVM) located deep inside the brain. During this procedure, beams of radiation are precisely focused at the AVM, destroying the abnormal vessels while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed. The procedure may take several hours.

Suboccipital Craniectomy for Acoustic Neuroma

This surgery is used to remove an acoustic neuroma, a type of noncancerous tumor that forms on a nerve in the middle ear. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a hospital stay.

Transsphenoidal Surgery for Tumor

This endoscopic procedure, performed under general anesthesia, is used to remove a tumor from the pituitary gland. The patient will require hospitalization for two to five days after the surgery.

Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt for Hydrocephalus

During this surgical procedure, a small drainage tube is implanted to relieve the pressure of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is a condition that develops when excess cerebrospinal fluid builds up within the ventricles of the brain.