About Intracranial Angioplasty
Key Highlights
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Minimally Invasive: Performed through a small puncture, avoiding open brain surgery.Stroke Prevention: Aims to restore blood flow and significantly reduce the risk of a future ischemic stroke.Improved Symptoms: Can alleviate symptoms like dizziness, vision problems, or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs).listrongPrecise Treatment:/strong Utilizes real-time imaging (angiography) for accurate navigation and placement./lilistrongFaster Recovery:/strong Typically involves a shorter hospital stay and recovery time compared to traditional surgery./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis with >70% artery narrowing, despite optimal medical therapy.
- Recurrent transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or minor strokes due to a narrowed brain artery.
- To improve blood flow in cases of subclavian steal syndrome or other complex cerebrovascular conditions.
- As a rescue therapy for acute stroke in specific scenarios (often with stent retrieval).
- Treatment of vasospasm (narrowing) following a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive neurological evaluation and imaging (CTA, MRA, or cerebral angiography) to map the arteries.
- Review and adjustment of current medications; may need to stop blood thinners like aspirin or clopidogrel briefly.
- Blood tests to check kidney function and clotting parameters.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
- Informed consent process detailing the procedure's benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Stroke: The most significant risk, which can occur during or immediately after the procedure.
- Artery Damage: Dissection (tear), perforation, or rupture of the treated blood vessel.
- Bleeding or Hematoma: At the catheter insertion site in the groin or wrist.
- Restenosis: The artery may narrow again over time, potentially requiring repeat procedure.
- Allergic Reaction: To the contrast dye used during imaging.
- Kidney Injury: From the contrast dye, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney issues.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial monitoring for 4-6 hours in a recovery area, with checks on neurological status and the puncture site.
- Hospital stay typically required for 1-2 days for observation.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast dye from the kidneys.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for the first week.
- Adherence to prescribed dual antiplatelet medications (e.g., aspirin and clopidogrel) is critical to prevent stent clotting.
- Follow-up appointments with the neurologist for monitoring and imaging tests to ensure the artery remains open.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-2 days
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 weeks for routine activities; 4-6 weeks for full stabilization
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering intracranial angioplasty in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for intracranial angioplasty in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform intracranial angioplasty. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for intracranial angioplasty compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 600 Thousand | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for routine activities; 4-6 weeks for full stabilization | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.1 Million | 1-2 days | ~ 1-2 weeks for routine activities; 4-6 weeks for full stabilization | Know More |
Top hospitals for Intracranial Angioplasty in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing intracranial angioplasty.
Arjun Bhatia, a 58-year-old accountant and...
Arjun Bhatia, a 58-year-old accountant and father of two, had always been the steady rock of his family. His life changed six months ago when he began experiencing sudden, intense headaches and episodes of dizziness that made him feel like the room was spinning. During a particularly frightening episode, his right arm went temporarily weak and his speech became slurred for about 20 minutes, a classic transient ischemic attack (TIA). An MRA scan revealed a severe, symptomatic 70% stenosis (narrowing) in his left middle cerebral artery, a major vessel supplying blood to his brain. His neurologist, Dr. Sharma, explained that despite being on aggressive blood thinners and statins, Arjun was at high risk for a major, debilitating stroke. Dr. Sharma recommended intracranial angioplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to open the narrowed artery with a tiny balloon, to prevent a future catastrophe. The procedure itself was anxiety-inducing; Arjun was awake but sedated, feeling strange pressure sensations as the catheter was navigated from his groin to his brain. The relief was immediate when Dr. Sharma announced success. In recovery, Arjun had a mild headache but no new weakness. Within two days, he was home. Now, three months later, his follow-up scans show the artery remains wide open. The constant, low-grade fear of a stroke that shadowed his every move has lifted. He feels a profound gratitude for modern medicine and has returned to coaching his son's cricket team, cherishing each moment with a renewed sense of safety and vitality.
Neurologists for Intracranial Angioplasty
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform intracranial angioplasty and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida