Many pediatric neurovascular conditions are uncommon. These conditions include Vein of Galen malformations (a type of brain arteriovenous malformation or AVM), arteriovenous fistulas of the brain, and other AVMs. Because of the infrequent nature of pediatric neurovascular conditions, many routine surgical, pediatric and endovascular practices do not have broad experience treating these children.

The Center for Endovascular Surgery, however, is a unique place where dedicated endovascular neurosurgeons specialize in newborns, infants and children with neurovascular conditions involving the brain, spinal cord and the spinal column. In fact, the Center treats more than 200 pediatric neurovascular cases a year. Because of this experience, our experts know that children are not little adults and require a special approach to their care, different even from adults with similar conditions. For instance, fluids need to be minimized in babies, medications and radiation need to be given in pediatric doses, and appropriately sized catheters need to be used on the very fragile blood vessels of a child.

When difficult and unusual procedures become routine, care becomes efficient and competent and is more likely to result in successful outcomes. The Center's team -- led by Dr. Alejandro Berenstein and including other surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and technologists -- is expert in performing pediatric neurovascular procedures. In fact, the Center's team has pioneered and developed many pediatric neurovascular procedures and has gained worldwide renown for its treatment of children. Pediatric neurovascular procedures offered at the Center include:

• Embolization,the intentional closing of blood vessels.
• Minimally invasive surgical approaches.
• Pediatric interventional radiology.
• Management of stroke
• Cerebral revascularization, a procedure where more blood is diverted to areas of the brain where the flow is restricted.
• Neurophysiological monitoring during surgery.