How has neuroradiology developed over the last few years?
Neuroradiology is a specialised field that uses the latest medical imaging to diagnose diseases of the brain and spine. Formerly invasive diagnostic tests have been replaced with safe cross-section imaging, such as computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These methods provide increasingly detailed insights into the structure and function of the central nervous system. New and minimally invasive forms of therapy have emerged from the formerly invasive diagnostic puncture and catheter methods. Thanks to specially developed imaging methods, percutaneous incision systems and implants have emerged as the latest treatment options – for instance, cardiology is the latest field to grow at the interface between medical imaging and clinical neuroscience disciplines.
How will neuroradiology develop in the future?
Further developments in imaging and post-processing methods will enable better and quicker detection of diseases. Thus, in future, for example, aneurysms will not be defined by shape and size, but by simulation of blood flow. As a result, one can draw conclusions on vascular wall stress – and make provision. This will prevent unnecessary operations and limit the danger of a ruptured aneurysm (about 40 people die in Zurich each year). Thanks to new methods and findings, neuroradiology is playing an increasingly important role in treating patients with neurovascular diseases.
What other treatments are offered through neuroradiology at Hirslanden’s neurocentre?
The new team at the neurocentre consists of experienced specialists, who are able to offer and further develop the entire spectrum of haemorrhagic and ischemic stroke treatment and prevention. Other methods of minimally invasive therapies exist in the field of vascular abnormalities present all over the body, as well as in the field of percutaneous minimally invasive spinal pain therapies – opportunities offer significant analgesic effects, for instance, to strengthen osteoporotic or tumour-related bone fractures.