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Aneurysm and AVM Program

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM) and Brain aneurysm


Brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are primarily treated by physician specialists in the UCLA Brain Aneurysm and AVM Program.

  • UCLA neurovascular aneurysm and AVM surgeons working on a patientUnder the innovative leadership of Neil A. Martin, M.D., FAANS, the UCLA Brain Aneurysm and AVM Program is a world leader for the diagnosis, treatment and management of vascular diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
  • UCLA neurovascular surgeons collaborated with colleagues in diagnostic neuroradiology, interventional neuroradiology, stroke neurology, neurological critical care, stereotactic radiosurgery, and neurological rehabilitation to treat more than 12,000 patients in 15 years.
  • The program specializes in the management of complex central nervous system vascular disorders, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous angiomas, and carotid and intracerebral stenosis.
  • Clinicians and researchers work closely with the UCLA Stroke Center, the first in Los Angeles County certified by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as a Primary Stroke Center.
  • As part of an academic center of excellence, the program offers opportunities for patients to participate in cutting-edge treatments sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. The neurovascular team is constantly analyzing results to improve outcomes and works tirelessly to provide the very best quality of care.

  Brain Aneurysm and AVM Program brochure (PDF)

Neurovascular Treatments at UCLA

  • The UCLA team has developed a number of state-of-the-art treatments for neurovascular patients.
    • The Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs) were invented at UCLA and revolutionized the treatment of intracranial aneurysms.
    • Current research foci include improving coils, application of stents and balloons to assist in coil delivery, refining microsurgical technique, brain injury and ruptured aneurysms, brain mapping and monitoring, improving telemedicine, and development of non-invasive four-dimensional imaging tools.
  • Treatment:
    • Several advanced diagnostic and treatment options are readily available at UCLA.
      • Extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery for treatment of giant and complex aneurysms.
      • The use of intra-operative brain mapping, transcranial Doppler and cerebral blood flow monitoring for vasospasm.
      • Minimally invasive intravascular embolization of aneurysms.
      • Intravascular placement of stents and balloons to assist in endovascular embolization.
      • Specialized neurocritical care units with state-of-the-art monitoring for postoperative care.
    • A "Brain Attack" rapid care program provides the following:
      • Immediate evaluation by emergency physicians and neurologists upon arrival.
      • CT/MRI scan within minutes of emergency department arrival.
      • Prompt neurovascular intensive/intermediate level care if required.
    • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are managed using a multidisciplinary approach
      • Pre-operative embolization is performed by highly experienced neuro-interventional radiologists who are considered world experts in this technique.
      • Surgical removal is accomplished using the most advanced technology and surgical techniques.
        • Microsurgical techniques.
        • Brain mapping and awake craniotomy techniques.
      • Stereotactic radiosurgery is used to treat inoperable AVMs.
  • Rehabilitation: The inpatient neurologic rehabilitation and research unit and complementary outpatient rehabilitation facilities provide state-of-the-art care for patients with cerebrovascular disorders.
  • Facilities: This world-renowned, multidisciplinary program is supported by on-site, state-of-the-art medical facilities:
UCLA Rated One of the Top Hospitals in the Nation