Cerebrovascular surgery involves the operative treatment of diseases of the blood vessels that supply the brain with nutrients and oxygen. The most common diseases treated by a cerebrovascular neurosurgeon include aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernomas, and occlusive vascular diseases like stroke.

Wayne State University physicians have a long history of innovation in cerebrovascular surgery. Pioneering work under Professor Manuel Dujovny resulted in multiple clip designs and a better understanding of the use of surgical clips in the human brain. The Department of Neurological Surgery at Wayne State has remained committed to the advancement of treating vascular diseases of the brain over the last 50 years. Currently, the Department of Neurological Surgery offers the most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic management of the most complex of these diseases. Our vascular neurosurgeons are dedicated to surgically treating aneurysms, AVMs and stroke with the most advanced techniques and sophisticated equipment. Minimally invasive approaches and endoscopic-assisted procedures allow the best outcomes with the quickest recovery.

In addition, novel endovascular procedures are used to treat a growing number of problems. These procedures involve the treatment of diseases of the blood vessels from within; they require no incision on the head or neck. With the recent addition of Dr. Andrew Xavier to the neurosurgical staff, we have added new dimensions to the endovascular neurosurgery program, treating aneurysms, malformations, and stroke.

The cerebrovascular and endovascular surgeons offer the most comprehensive treatment strategies for patients with the most difficult to treat lesions, often using a team-based, multimodality treatment plan. The neurosurgeons annually treat approximately 100 aneurysms. These can be treated with clipping or coiling, whichever is better suited to the individual patient. The team at WSU is also involved in research protocols like the cerebral vascularization and stenting trial (CREST). Here our physicians are working to determine the roles of open surgery and stenting in the treatment of occlusive cerebrovascular disease and stroke.

The Department of Neurological Surgery at Wayne State University has a long history of being at the forefront of medical progress, and we will continue to apply the highest standards and make advancements for decades to come.