Procedures
Procedures Performed at Vascular Neurology of Southern California
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, we focus on providing innovative procedures that can help improve the symptoms that impact your daily functions so that you can improve your quality of life. Quintuple board-certified neurointerventionalist, Dr. M. Asif Taqi leads a specialized team dedicated to accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options.
To schedule your consultation, call us at (805) 242-4884 or complete our contact form. Our practices proudly serve Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Woodland Hills, Ventura, Camarillo, Calabasas, and surrounding areas in Southern California as well as Las Vegas.
Why Choose Vascular Neurology of Southern California?
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, quintuple board-certified neurointerventionalist Dr. M Asif Taqi and his specialized team of highly trained neurologists provide patient-centered care using the latest technological advancements. By focusing on early diagnosis, creating personalized treatment plans, and concentrating on long-term management, our experts are dedicated to helping our patients regain function and improve their quality of life.
Our Practice Locations
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, we offer the best neurological care in multiple locations throughout California for your convenience. Complete our online contact form or give us a call to schedule your consultation today.
Thousand Oaks
Santa Barbara
California Neurosurgical Specialists
Procedures We Perform
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, we offer a full spectrum of specialized procedures for various neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Led by Dr. M Asif Taqi, our specialized experts uphold the highest standards of patient care and medical expertise with the most advanced procedures available.
Brain aneurysm embolization is conducted endovascularly, which involves accessing the aneurysm through the vascular system from a location other than the brain. During the procedure, a catheter is inserted into an artery, typically in the groin. Due to the connectivity of the arteries, a thin wire can be guided through the catheter into the brain aneurysm. The wire is then directed into the ballooning segment of the artery, allowing it to form a coil inside the aneurysm to effectively seal it off.
The internal carotid artery is the primary vessel supplying blood to the brain. Atherosclerosis—the buildup of fatty plaques inside the artery—can narrow the blood vessels and reduce the amount of oxygenated blood reaching the brain. Patients with internal carotid stenosis often undergo internal carotid stent and angioplasty—a minimally invasive procedure recommended to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) causes the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain due to the buildup of plaques inside these blood vessels. There are numerous risk factors for plaque development, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, and heart disease. Patients with ICAS or vasospasms who have experienced TIA or stroke symptoms despite medication may opt to have an intracranial stent and angioplasty—a minimally invasive procedure shown to significantly reduce the risk of stroke.
Chronic subdural hematomas occur when blood collects between the brain and skull, causing pressure and symptoms like headaches, weakness, confusion, and seizures. While surgery is a common treatment, it may not suit all patients or carries risks. Middle meningeal embolization offers an alternative. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires a small incision to insert a catheter into the femoral or radial artery, guiding it to the middle meningeal artery. Small particles, known as embolic agents, are then injected to block blood flow to the hematoma.
Strokes occur when the blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either due to a ruptured blood vessel or an obstruction. Since the brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients for proper function, any interruption in blood supply can lead to rapid and irreversible brain damage. In cases where a blood clot causes an obstruction, a stroke thrombectomy is performed to remove the clot blocking blood flow to the brain. A stroke thrombectomy can often be a critical life-saving procedure.
Tumors are abnormal cell growths that can develop anywhere in the body. Some tumors are benign and do not pose a health risk. Others can be malignant and harmful. When located in the head and neck, tumors can be particularly problematic, potentially impacting vital structures such as the brain, spinal cord, and major blood vessels. Tumor embolization is a medical procedure designed to cut off the blood supply to a tumor. This is achieved by injecting small particles, known as embolic agents, into the blood vessels supplying the tumor with oxygen and nutrients. The embolic agents obstruct the blood vessels, shrinking the tumor.
Dural venous sinus stenting is a minimally invasive procedure designed to place a stent within the veins responsible for draining blood from the brain back to the heart. This technique is typically employed to address venous sinus stenosis or narrowing, which can result in elevated intracranial pressure or intracranial hypertension. By placing the stent in these veins, the constricted area expands within the venous sinuses to enhance blood flow.
A brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, disrupting normal blood flow. AVMs lack smaller blood vessels and capillaries, causing blood to flow quickly from arteries to veins, bypassing surrounding tissues. Treatment can be surgical or through AVM embolization, where an embolizing agent like microparticles, micro coils, or a glue-like substance is injected to block the bleeding vessels and shrink the tumor.
Epistaxis, or a nosebleed, is a relatively common complaint experienced by the general population. During epistaxis, blood flows from a single nostril. Heavy nosebleeds can also spill into the second nostril or run down the throat and into the stomach, resulting in the patient spitting up or vomiting blood. With substantial blood loss, light-headedness, dizziness, and faintness can occur. To achieve embolization for epistaxis Using X-ray imaging for guidance, a catheter is inserted through the femoral artery to the bleeding vessel. Then, an embolizing agent like microparticles, micro coils, or a glue-like substance is injected to block the artery and stop the bleeding.
The brachiocephalic artery (BCA) and subclavian artery (SA) branch off the aortic arch and are located in the upper chest to supply blood to the arms, head, and neck. The SA lies below the collarbones (clavicles). Stenosis, or blockage, in these areas is called atherosclerosis. Brachiocephalic and subclavian artery stent and angioplasty is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure that permanently opens the blood vessel with a mesh stent to improve blood flow.
The WADA test is utilized by epilepsy specialists to assess the functional significance of each hemisphere of the brain. Each side is evaluated separately to determine the effects of epilepsy on a patient’s language and memory capabilities. The test involves an angiogram paired with X-ray images of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. Then, images are taken with a contrast dye to ensure there are no obstructions.
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, we recognize the significant impact and disruption that chronic pain can have on daily life, including the pain of migraines. Botox injections are an effective intervention for reducing the frequency and severity of migraines and addressing chronic pain from muscle tension, spasms, and trigger points. By targeting the muscles specifically associated with migraines, Botox can help prevent their onset or minimize their intensity.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a non-invasive, painless test that uses ultrasound to measure blood flow velocity in the brain’s arteries. It involves no radiation exposure and provides real-time blood flow information that our experts can use to diagnose neurological concerns. Abnormal blood flow results can indicate issues like stroke, vasospasm, emboli, sickle cell disease, and cerebral aneurysm.
Schedule Your Neurology Consultation Today
If you are experiencing symptoms or need specialized neurological care, Dr. M. Asif Taqi and his expert team are here to help.
Call (805) 242-4884 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Our clinic proudly serves Thousand Oaks, Westlake, Woodland Hills, Ventura, Camarillo, Calabasas, and surrounding areas.