Brain & Spine

In 2011, Methodist University Hospital unveiled its state-of-the-art Neurovascular Center, featuring the Artis Zee biplane system and Artis Zeego angiography system by Siemens©. The only one of its kind in the Mid-South, this cutting-edge technology provides physicians with highly detailed images of a patient’s blood vessels leading to the brain during minimally invasive neurovascular procedures, enabling physicians to obtain three-dimensional views of the patient’s anatomy, from any direction.

Under the direction of Dr. Adam Arthur and Dr. Lucas Elijovich, the Artis Zee saves critical time for stroke patients by providing physicians images directly in the interventional suite, reducing the need to move a patient out of the sterile environment for evaluation prior to proceeding with the intervention.

Our team of vascular neurosurgeons diagnoses, treats and manages all vascular diseases and disorders of the brain, including carotid artery stenosis, intracerebral aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation and stroke. In addition to providing clinical expertise, our access to the latest research findings and state-of-the-art facilities and imaging services enables us to consistently improve patient outcomes and the overall patient experience. 

Endovascular Surgery 

Endovasular Neurosurgery (Interventional Neuroradiology) is a subspecialty of radiology and neurosurgery in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes such as cerebral angiograms, while others are done for treatment purposes, such as cerebral coilings or embolizations. Fluoroscopy (x-rays) is used to direct these procedures, which are performed using thin tubes called catheters. The catheters are introduced into the vascular system either through the groin, the arm, or sometimes the neck.

Methodist physicians are using technology for minimally invasive neurovascular procedures such as:

• clot removal
• aneurysm repair
• arteriovenous malformations
• carotid artery blockages
• brain and neck tumors
• intracranial hemorrhages

“The window of opportunity for intervention for stroke patients can be expanded from three hours to eight hours for certain patients who have a stroke caused by a clot. These additional five hours will enable us to reduce disability and the risk of death from stroke.” –Adam Arthur, MD, MPH

The Neurovascular Center also serves as an unparalleled training ground for the Residents and Fellows who come through the Neurology and Neurosurgery Programs at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

The National Show Site

After completion of the suite in January 2011, Siemens© chose the Methodist Neurovascular Center to serve as a national show site for the Artis Zee and Artis Zeego systems. Physicians throughout the country and from around the world will be invited to MUH to see how this cutting edge technology is changing the face of neurologic intervention and treatment.