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What is Endovascular Treatment: Types, Purpose & Benefits

By Dr. Himanshu Agarwal in Neurosciences , Interventional Neurology

Jun 03 , 2025 | 2 min read

A brain haemorrhage is a type of stroke caused by bleeding in or around the brain. It can happen suddenly and is often life-threatening. One of the most advanced ways to treat certain types of brain haemorrhages is through a minimally invasive procedure called endovascular treatment.

What is Endovascular Treatment?

Endovascular treatment involves working inside the blood vessels. Unlike traditional brain surgery, which involves opening the skull, endovascular procedures are done through small incisions, usually in the groin or wrist. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and carefully guided up to the brain using X-ray imaging. Through this tube, doctors can deliver treatments directly to the bleeding area of the brain.

When is it Used?

Endovascular treatment is especially useful for brain haemorrhages caused by conditions like:

Aneurysms: A balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel that can burst and cause bleeding.
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can leak or rupture.
Subdural Haemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain's outer layer, usually in the elderly.

These conditions may lead to bleeding in or around the brain. If not treated quickly, they can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Types of Endovascular Treatments

There are a few different procedures used in endovascular treatment:

Coiling: A thin metal coil is placed into a brain aneurysm. This coil helps block the blood flow and prevents further bleeding.
Embolisation: A substance is injected to block abnormal blood vessels, such as AVMs, from bleeding again.
Stent placement: A small mesh tube is placed in a weakened blood vessel to support it and prevent rupture.

Each procedure helps reduce pressure on the brain and lowers the risk of future bleeding.

Benefits of Endovascular Treatment

Minimally invasive: No need for large incisions or opening the skull.
Faster recovery: Patients usually heal more quickly compared to traditional surgery.
Less pain and risk: Smaller wounds mean less risk of infection and less discomfort.

What to Expect

If a doctor suspects a brain haemorrhage, they will use imaging tests like a CT scan or MRI to find the bleeding. If endovascular treatment is appropriate, the procedure may happen in a special room called an angiography suite. Patients are usually given anaesthesia, which can last a few hours. Afterwards, patients are closely monitored in a hospital.

Conclusion

Brain haemorrhages are serious and require urgent care. Endovascular treatment offers a less invasive and often safer way to stop the bleeding and prevent future strokes. While unsuitable for every case, this modern approach has saved many lives and improved recovery for countless patients.

If you or a loved one is at risk due to aneurysms or other blood vessel problems, regular check-ups and early treatment can make a big difference. Always seek medical help immediately if symptoms like sudden headache, weakness, confusion, or loss of consciousness appear. Early treatment saves lives.