EC-IC Bypass Surgery, short for extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery, is a procedure used to treat aneurysms, stroke symptoms, and moyamoya disease. When an artery inside the brain is blocked or damaged, EC-IC bypass surgery connects blood vessels to bypass the original artery and restore blood flow to the brain.
While EC-IC bypass surgery is known to be an effective treatment, complications are serious and can include bleeding, infection, stroke, and seizures. For this reason, other treatments such as medication or angioplasty are typically recommended prior to surgery. Additionally, the decision to undergo bypass surgery should be made after consultation with a qualified medical professional.
The Benefits of Treatment
EC-IC bypass surgery can provide many benefits for patients suffering from blocked or narrowed arteries in the brain. These include:
- Improved Blood Flow
The main benefit of EC-IC bypass surgery is that it improves blood flow to the brain. By creating a new pathway for blood to flow, surgery can help prevent serious health complications. - Reduced Risk of Stroke
By improving blood flow to the brain, EC-IC bypass surgery can reduce the risk of stroke. - Improved Quality of Life
Patients who undergo EC-IC bypass surgery can also experience an improved quality of life. Improved blood flow to the brain can help reduce symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. - Long-Term Benefits
Unlike medication or other treatments that may provide temporary relief, EC-IC bypass surgery can provide long-term benefits. The new pathway created during surgery can remain open for many years.
What To Expect During Treatment
EC-IC bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours to complete. During the surgery, the surgeon will make incisions to expose the appropriate arteries, then they will carefully connect the two blood vessels using a small graft to create a new pathway for blood to flow.
Patients typically stay in the hospital for several days after surgery so that their recovery can be monitored for any potential complications. Pain medication is used to manage discomfort. Patients usually experience improvements within 2-6 weeks, however, it may take months for the bypass to improve blood flow.
Why Choose NGHS
If you or a loved one is suffering from strokes, aneurysms, or moyamoya disease, Northeast Georgia Health Systems can help. Not only are we northeast Georgia’s preferred hospital for providing comprehensive neurological patient care but our state-of-the-art facility houses dedicated neuroscience operating rooms, and our rapid response stroke team is Primary Stroke Center certified. Contact us today to consult with a qualified medical professional and determine the best course of treatment for your circumstances.