Conditions We Treat

Brain Aneurysms

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can bulge or balloon out. If it ruptures, it can cause serious bleeding and a stroke.

Treatment options:

  • Endovascular Treatment – Coils, stents, or flow-diversion devices placed via tiny incisions
  • Microsurgical Clipping – Precise placement of a clip to permanently prevent rupture

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs)

AVMs are abnormal tangles of vessels that disrupt circulation and increase bleeding risk.

Treatment options:

  • Endovascular Embolization – Blocking abnormal vessels from within
  • Microsurgical Resection – Surgical removal of the AVM
  • Combined Therapy – Embolization followed by surgery for safer outcomes

Cavernous Malformations (CCMs)

CCMs are clusters of abnormally formed blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord that can leak or bleed, causing seizures, neurological symptoms, or stroke-like events.

Treatment options:

  • Microsurgical Resection – Surgical removal of the malformation when accessible and safe
  • Observation & Monitoring – Regular imaging and neurological check-ups for small or asymptomatic lesions

Moyamoya Disease

A rare condition in which the arteries in the brain gradually narrow, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of stroke. UI Health is one of the few centers in the Midwest with extensive experience in treating Moyamoya disease.

Treatment options:

  • Direct Bypass Surgery – Immediate restoration of blood flow using an artery from the scalp
  • Indirect Bypass Surgery – Encouraging new vessel growth with vascular-rich tissue placement

Carotid Artery Disease

Narrowed or blocked neck arteries can lead to stroke.

Treatment options:

  • Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) – Surgical removal of plaque
  • Bypass Surgery – Alternative route for blood flow in severe blockages

Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency (VBI)

VBI occurs when blood flow through the vertebral and basilar arteries at the back of the brain is reduced, causing dizziness, vision problems, difficulty walking, or stroke.

Treatment options:

  • Bypass Surgery – Creating a new pathway for blood to reach the brain
  • Flow-Guided Endovascular Therapy – Minimally invasive catheter-based restoration of blood flow