I may be late to the discussion, Mike, but you are correct. Embolizations are typically performed by your neuro intervetional radiologist not the one who specializes in actual neurosurgery or craniotomies. When I had my embos my neurosurgeon ‘quarterback’ who I trusted my life with was always nearby should anything unexpected happen (a rupture) and life-saving surgery was a must. Years later, after my embos I had another procedure and requested that my (quarterback) was ready should anything extreme happen. Sounds like you have a TEAM of neurosurgeons on your case which is always good. Best regards, GK
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The neurosurgeon I saw said he does the embolization as well. I’m guessing he is trained in embos as well but have read time and time again that it’s another team that does them from various people and hospitals.
Was just curious if anyone else had neurosurgeons who did the embo as well.
I’m sure that is a good idea for him, as it means he knows exactly what was done in the embolisation, what was successfully closed, what was unable to be closed perhaps, without the need for a handover from someone else. Any process or activity that includes an unnecessary handover includes additional risk because of that handover.
I had just an embolisation and I saw a consultant interventional radiologist: that’s all he does. But I’m sure the combined approach is much better where it’s a precursor to a craniotomy.
At Barrow, they completely tag team - they work on strategies together & pick the one for the job, then 2nd in Command
Amazingly enough, my case didn’t require the top surgeon - he was 2nd on their team. Then to assist was the head chair of the residence program
I would suppose every neurosurgical team is different & sets up their own command chain.
Just to see their precision on my case was nothing short of amazing
I’m presuming you had your surgery at barrow? Do you live in AZ or did you fly out there? If you flew out there, could you tell me a bit about that experience in regards to the stay, recovery etc before flying back?
Yes, my embolization was done at Barrow Neurological
No, I live here - and, got very lucky to wind up there since we were 4 hours away when I hemorrhaged
I wouldn’t trade these guys in for the world - best all around. . . I mentioned this before, but the care they display for their patients & work is nothing short of amazing
I do truly believe that not many, if any could of matched on the help they gave me
I wonder if I can find anyone on here who flew out to Barrow to have a procedure done. I imagine it’s very difficult to do and I have questions surrounding what that experience is like.
My other big question is how many neurosurgeons do the actual embolization themselves.
The flight alone would be my concern. If you can plan to stay out here for a bit after would be my suggestion - but, I know it can’t be within reach for many. There was a girl on here who had to go for a flight back, post embolization & GK treatment. But, it wasn’t from Barrow - she had a little bit of an issue, but came out fine.
How many? Well, look up their whole neurological department - I did. . . If you want to know the name of the two that did mine, shoot me message.
They work in teams & break down work on a case by case basis. . . Geez, how many times have I seen these guys 
But, this is my longest run out of ER yet - so far, so good - fingers crossed
We also had a guy who travelled from NZ North Island to South (or vice versa) for his operation. He had no other choice and the doc didn’t say anything against the flight travel.
I know another guy who has regular bleeds with his condition who managed to have a nosebleed on board a flight but that was a high altitude international flight not an inland transfer.
MikeM, I understand. Neurosurgeon* is a broad umbrella. Some specialize in endovascular procedures, some skull based traditional methods, while others may work exclusively with Stereotactic methods, (gamma, deep-brain stimulation, etc) Even some neurosurgeons do only spine work. Necks and backs. Here was old post I made regarding finding the right surgeon when working with Onyx.Importance of having an experienced neuroradiologist for Embolisation w ONYX! - #3 by mike_az_21
Anyone else willing to share their embolization stories; both pros and cons of the experience?