Brain angioplasty performed on conscious patients - Brief Article

AORN Journal,  June, 2003  

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A preliminary study shows that clearing plaque-clogged brain arteries in conscious patients allows them to report unusual symptoms and physicians to immediately alter their work to minimize the risk of major complications, according to a Feb 14, 2003, news release from the American Stroke Association.

The procedure is called intracranial angioplasty. The procedure was performed safely on 10 patients who were given local anesthesia with mild sedation rather than general anesthesia. When conscious, patients can tell physicians about unusual symptoms, such as numbness or pain behind the eye, which are signs of impending complications. A sudden, painful sensation behind the eye warns physicians that they are overstretching the vessel with the balloon and that it should be deflated immediately.

Local anesthesia is not an option for every patient. Only stable patients undergoing elective angioplasty to open clogged neck and brain arteries are candidates for this procedure. General anesthesia is indicated for those who already have experienced stroke, who need breathing tubes, or who are otherwise unstable because better images are produced and a smoother procedure is experienced.

Brain Angioplasty Performed on Awake Patients May Reduce Complications (news release, New York. American Stroke Association, Feb 14, 2003) http://www.prnews wire.com (accessed 16 Feb 2003).

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