Brain aneurysm & AVM treatment

Leader in minimally invasive interventions

Only a handful of programs in the Chicago area can treat cerebrovascular diseases without surgery. Advocate Health Care's Neuroendovascular Program - a subspecialty within our Brain & Spine Institute - uses advanced technologies and minimally invasive techniques to treat brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). As a result, patients may enjoy shorter recovery times with faster, more efficient rehabilitation.

What sets us apart:

• Breakthrough treatment: Innovative approach focused on highly successful, minimally invasive procedures
• Multi-disciplinary team: Experienced neurologist collaboration with a team of specialists, including surgeons, psychologists, interventional radiologists, and physical and occupational therapists
• Comprehensive approach: Coordinated care for all aspects of your healing, from diagnosis and treatment to therapy and emotional support
• Care close to home: Locations across Chicago and the suburbs provide easy access to expert care

Find a doctor who specializes in treating aneurysms and AVMs.

Aneurysm & AVM

Aneurysm: An aneurysm occurs when a section of arterial wall weakens and stretches to form a bulge that, left untreated, can rupture and hemorrhage. Wide neck-aneurysms involve weakened areas where multiple vessels meet, creating more life-threatening situations for patients. Some people have a greater chance of developing a brain aneurysm based on their medical history.

AVM: Arteriovenous malformation is an abnormal collection of blood vessels that can cause seizures, strokes and other neurological conditions.

Expert diagnosis

Timing is critical when treating a potentially life-threatening brain aneurysm or AVM but because there are often no symptoms (or symptoms that mimic other health issues), spotting these conditions can be tricky. The skilled experts at Advocate use advanced technology to quickly diagnose and treat a brain aneurysm or AVM.  Our specialists will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, and use advanced screenings (for example, CT, MRI or angiography) to detect a brain aneurysm and AVM.  

Minimally invasive treatment

Our specialists will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs. Our comprehensive approach to your care includes a full range of support services, including emotional assistance and rehabilitation therapies. We also participate in multiple clinical trials to advance brain aneurysm and AVM treatment.

Advocate's advanced treatments include:

Aneurysm coiling: A catheter is threaded into a small incision in the upper thigh and through the femoral artery to the blockage. A flexible mesh tube, or stent, is placed at the base of the aneurysm and then expanded to conform to the arterial wall. Small metal coils are threaded through the stent and into the aneurysm, blocking blood from entering the aneurysm and preventing a rupture. The stent prevents the coils from falling out of the aneurysm sac.

AVM embolization: A catheter is threaded directly to the AVM. Next, a medication is injected through the catheter to close the AVM vessels. This will reduce the size of the AVM in preparation for surgical removal, or will completely block blood flow to the AVM vessels.