Venous Sinus Stenting
Venous Sinus Stenting in Thousand Oaks, CA
Dural Venous sinus stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of a stent in the veins that drain blood from the brain. This procedure is commonly used to treat venous sinus stenosis or narrowing, a condition that can lead to increased pressure in the brain, known as intracranial hypertension.
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California (VNSC), we offer venous sinus stenting as a treatment option for patients suffering from intracranial hypertension due to venous sinus stenosis. Our lead neurointerventionalist, Dr. M Asif Taqi, is quintuple board certified and has extensive experience in performing venous sinus stenting procedures.
Learn more about Venous sinus stenting by reading on or contacting Vascular Neurology of Southern California today. We have Southern California offices in West Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Lancaster, as well as a Las Vegas, NV, location.
What is Venous Sinus Stenosis?
Venous sinus stenosis is a condition that affects the veins in the brain that drain blood from the brain back to the heart. These veins are called venous sinuses and are located in the dura, the tough outer layer of the brain. When these veins become narrowed, blood flow out of the brain is obstructed, which can lead to an increase in pressure in the brain.
What are the Symptoms of Venous Sinus Stenosis?
The symptoms of venous sinus stenosis can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in vision
In severe cases, untreated venous sinus stenosis can lead to permanent vision loss and even death.
How is Venous Sinus Stenosis Diagnosed?
Venous sinus stenosis is typically diagnosed using imaging tests such as magnetic resonance venography (MRV), computed tomography venography (CTV) or formal catheter angiogram. These tests allow doctors to see the veins in the brain and identify any narrowing or blockages. Also it’s important to perform manometry ( pressure measurement) across this stenosis, to assess whether this stenosis is causing an increase in pressure inside the brain.
How is Venous Sinus Stenosis Treated?
The treatment for venous sinus stenosis typically involves reducing the pressure in the brain. This can be done through medications, such as diuretics, or by draining fluid from the brain using a shunt. However, if these treatments are not effective, venous sinus stenting may be considered.
What is Venous Sinus Stenting?
Venous sinus stenting is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of a stent in the venous sinuses to widen the narrowed area and improve blood flow. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the groin area, and a catheter is inserted into the femoral vein. The catheter then guided up to the venous sinuses in the brain using imaging guidance.
Once the catheter is in place, a stent is then placed in the widened area to keep the vein open. The catheter is then removed from the body.
Venous sinus stenting is a safe and effective treatment for venous sinus stenosis, with a success rate of up to 90%. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and most patients are able to go home the next day
Why Choose VNSC for Venous Sinus Stenting?
At Vascular Neurology of Southern California, our lead neurointerventionalist, Dr. M Asif Taqi, is quintuple board certified and has extensive experience in performing venous sinus stenting procedures. We use state-of-the-art imaging and surgical techniques to provide the highest level of care for our patients.
If you or a loved one is suffering from venous sinus stenosis, consider reaching out to the team at Vascular Neurology of Southern California for a consultation.
Venous Sinus Stenting in Thousand Oaks - FAQ
Like any medical procedure, venous sinus stenting has some risks, such as stroke,bleeding, infection, or allergic reaction to the contrast dye used during the procedure. However, the risks are generally low, and complications are rare.
Venous sinus stenting typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
Most patients can go home the next day of the procedure and resume normal activities within a few days. However, it may take several weeks for the patient to fully recover.
Venous sinus stenting has a high success rate in improving symptoms of venous sinus stenosis including tinnitus and reducing intracranial hypertension.
Patients who have venous sinus stenosis and are experiencing symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and tinnitus may be candidates for venous sinus stenting. However, each case is unique, and a thorough evaluation by an interventional neurologist is necessary to determine if the patient is a good candidate for the procedure.
After the procedure, the patient will need to have follow-up imaging to ensure imperative to take medications after the procedure to thin the blood that prevents clogging of the stent. It is the endovascular surgeon will also monitor the patient’s symptoms and adjust medications as needed.