Expanded Service
New Interventional Neurology program provides lifesaving care Bayhealth provides numerous interventional procedures, known for their patient benefits compared to traditional surgeries, and is proud to now add interventional neurology to the list. These minimally invasive techniques use catheters and advanced imaging to treat blood vessels of the head and neck. Led by Bayhealth Medical Director for Vascular and Interventional Neurology Sumeet Multani, MD (pictured below, center), who is board-certified in neurology and vascular neurology with an additional fellowship in neurointerventional surgery, the new program brings lifesaving care to patients with complex conditions, such as brain aneurysms or blood clots, or
carotid artery disease, who previously had to drive a distance for treatment. Dr. Multani is one of fewer than 500 physicians in the U.S. with training in this highly specialized field. The doctor inserts a catheter, typically through the groin or hand, and threads it through vessels to look inside the head or neck. An angiogram is a common test to view blood flow in the brain. “We can diagnose and address a wide range of abnormalities, including blocking a blood vessel to stop a brain bleed or prevent rupture, cutting off blood supply to a tumor or treating chronic nosebleeds,” said Dr. Multani. “Many acute stroke
causes can’t be identified without catheter-based studies, so this expands our diagnosis and treatment capabilities.” Most neurointerventions are performed at Bayhealth Hospital, Kent Campus with some available at Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus. There’s generally less risk and faster recovery for patients, and attentive pre- and post-care is provided through Bayhealth clinics. “Even high-risk patients, instead of getting surgery with an incision through the head or neck, can now get stenting or coiling at Bayhealth and experience a significantly shorter hospital stay,” said Dr. Multani. ■
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