WELCOME TO THE NEURO INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

 

 

The Neuro Interventional Radiology (NIR) program at Stanford Medicine, part of the Division of Neuroimaging & Neurointervention, is a world-renowned center specializing in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, head, and neck.

NIR uses advanced imaging guidance (such as X-rays, CT, and MRI) to perform endovascular therapies—procedures that repair blood vessels from inside the body using thin, hollow tubes called catheters, often eliminating the need for traditional open surgery. This approach offers patients less risk, less pain, and shorter recovery times.

A unique feature that sets Stanford NIR apart is being the only center in the Bay Area to offer the brain "stress test," an advanced blood flow imaging technique to evaluate cerebrovascular reserve.

This non-invasive test helps determine how well the brain's blood vessels can compensate for reduced blood flow, providing critical information for managing complex cerebrovascular conditions, such as:

  • Evaluating risk for future stroke.

  • Planning treatment for carotid artery disease.

  • Assessing the brain's ability to tolerate intervention.

Why Stanford NIR Excels in Diagnostic Radiology

Stanford's excellence in Diagnostic Radiology, particularly within the Neuroimaging & Neurointervention division, stems from a powerful combination of advanced technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and pioneering research:

  • Pioneering Advanced Neuroimaging: The division develops and utilizes state-of-the-art imaging techniques beyond standard CT and MRI, including:

    • Dual-energy CT

    • Functional MRI (fMRI)

       

       

    • Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Tractography

       

       

    • Perfusion Imaging (including non-contrast Arterial Spin Labeling) These advanced methods provide incredibly detailed, functional, and structural information about the nervous system, leading to more accurate diagnoses and precise treatment planning.

       

       

  • Integrated Research and Clinical Care: Stanford NIR faculty are actively involved in cutting-edge research, including developing next-generation endovascular technologies and using computational modeling to improve diagnostic and treatment value. This integration ensures patients have access to the latest, most innovative, and most validated treatment options in the United States.

     

     

  • Comprehensive Stroke Center: As a Level 1 Trauma and Comprehensive Stroke Center, Stanford is equipped with rapid, dedicated imaging protocols and automated decision-support software to quickly and accurately differentiate completed stroke from "at-risk" tissue, allowing for immediate, critical intervention.

     

     

  • Team-Based Approach: The program operates within a highly collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, working closely with neurosurgeons, neurologists, and other specialists, which ensures a complete and holistic approach to patient care, from diagnosis through recovery.

 

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