What to Expect
Neurointerventional radiology procedures are generally done in the cath-angio suite. This area is similar to an operating room, but with special X-ray equipment designed for doing procedures in the head, neck, and spine. Stanford Health Care has a state-of-art 3D rotational imaging capability, which allows the doctor to precisely understand detailed vascular anatomy.
Most patients who undergo a neurointerventional procedure come to the hospital in the morning on the scheduled day. When you first get to the hospital, there is a special floor where the nursing staff will get you ready. The doctors also come to assess your current condition and to answer any further questions.
If the procedure is for diagnosis only, then most frequently the procedure is done on an outpatient basis, which means that you will be going home on the same day. Some procedures that involve treatment are also done on an outpatient basis. However in many cases, if the procedure involves treatment, there is usually a one night hospital stay for observation after the treatment has been completed.
In all cases, specific post-procedure discharge and follow-up instructions are given before you leave the hospital.
