Pediatric Neuroendovascular Surgery
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Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric neuroendovascular surgery?
As Northern California's oldest and largest pediatric neuroendovascular surgery program, we have deep experience treating rare and complex blood vessel conditions in the brain, spine, head, neck and eyes. Pediatric neuroendovascular surgery, also called neurointerventional radiology, uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat children.
Our specialists care for children with challenging neurovascular disorders, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas, moyamoya disease, vein of Galen malformations and vascular birthmarks.
We use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat your child with precision. Close collaborations with specialists across UCSF provide your child with comprehensive, attentive and skilled care.
Why choose UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals for pediatric neuroendovascular surgery?
As Northern California's oldest and largest pediatric neuroendovascular surgery program, we have deep experience treating rare and complex blood vessel conditions in the brain, spine, head, neck and eyes. Pediatric neuroendovascular surgery, also called neurointerventional radiology, uses image-guided, minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat children.
Our specialists care for children with challenging neurovascular disorders, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), arteriovenous fistulas, moyamoya disease, vein of Galen malformations and vascular birthmarks.
We use advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat your child with precision. Close collaborations with specialists across UCSF provide your child with comprehensive, attentive and skilled care.
High-volume pediatric expertise
Our team treats a large volume of pediatric cases, including some of the most complex referrals in the West, giving us a high level of expertise.Imaging optimized for children
Our advanced angiography suites support precise diagnosis and treatment using equipment specially designed for children.Full range of treatment options
We offer advanced treatment options, such as embolization, radiation therapy and surgery, for our young patients.Care for rare, complex cases
Our specialists have deep experience with neurovascular conditions that many programs rarely see.
Minimally invasive neuroendovascular care for young patients
Many neurointerventional procedures use a thin, flexible tube called a catheter instead of a large surgical incision. Your child's doctor carefully guides the catheter through blood vessels to reach the area that needs treatment.
This approach helps us treat delicate areas with precision and may also help your child avoid open surgery. For some children, minimally invasive treatment may mean faster recovery, fewer risks and less pain.
Specialists working together for your child
Children with complex neurovascular conditions often need care from several specialists. We bring together the right experts to understand your child's condition and plan care.
This team approach helps us look at the full picture of your child's health and develop one coordinated recommendation.
Your child's care team may include experts in:
Neurology
Neurosurgery
Head and neck surgery
Radiation oncology
Hematology
Neuroendovascular evaluations and treatment plans
We perform a comprehensive evaluation to get an accurate diagnosis, using advanced techniques including angiography and imaging scans.
Then we use the information to recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your child's diagnosis, age and overall health, which may include:
Embolization. We use a catheter to place materials that reduce or block abnormal blood flow.
Radiosurgery. Highly targeted radiation treats certain conditions without an incision. This may include Gamma Knife treatment.
Surgery. Neurosurgeons may recommend surgery when it offers the safest or most effective option.
Your care team explains each option and what your family can expect. Together, we create a plan that supports your child's health now and in the future.
Locations (dynamic)
Providers (dynamic)
Steven W. Hetts, MD
Radiology (Neuroradiology) • Interventional Radiology
Kazim Narsinh, MD
Radiology (Neuroradiology) • Interventional Radiology
Matthew Amans, MD, MS
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)
William P. Dillon, MD
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)
Providers (manual)
Steven W. Hetts, MD
Radiology (Neuroradiology) • Interventional RadiologyMatthew Amans, MD, MS
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)
Daniel Cooke, MD
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)Kazim Narsinh, MD
Radiology (Neuroradiology) • Interventional Radiology
Awards & achievements
#1
in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs
One of the nation's best for neurology & neurosurgery
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Aneurysm
- Arnold-Chiari Malformation
- Arterial Dissection
- Arteriovenous Fistula
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
- Cavernous Hemangioma
- Moyamoya
- Vascular Birthmarks
- Vein of Galen Malformation
Treatments
- Angiography
- AVM Embolization
- Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Recommended reading
Preparing for Gamma Knife treatment
Gamma Knife delivers focused radiation beams to get rid of certain tumors, epilepsy and abnormal blood vessels. Find out about the six steps of treatment.
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.