Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society  1999;28(8):1232-

Endovascular Management of Vasospasm.

Min Woo BAIK 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

SAH; Vasospasm; Papaverine; Balloon angioplasty

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Two techniques are available for endovascular treatment of post-SAH vasospasm: mechanical angioplasty and phamacologic infusion(papaverine or other vasodilator). The advantages of papaverine infusion are simplicity, safety, and the ability to reach small distal vessels. The disadvantages are that the treatment results may be temporary and inconsistant. The advantages of balloon angioplasty are rapid, dramatic result and consistantly successful. It is important to treat vasospasm as soon as possible for two reasons: vascular response is better and permanant ischemic damage is minimized. If ischemic symptom have developed, it may already to be late. So, the treatment of vasospasm should be proreactive rather than reactive.