Cerebral angioplasty: a new treatment for vasospasm secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage

The potential benefit of cerebral angioplasty for patients with delayed cerebral ischemia secondary to vasospasm is promising. Cerebral angioplasty has the potential for positively affecting patient outcome and quality of life. Further, cerebral angioplasty may lead to a reduction in long-term care needs for patients who experience severe cerebral vasospasm from an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The challenge to the neuroscience nurse begins with the early detection of neurological changes signaling the onset of progressive delayed cerebral ischemia despite conventional therapies for vasospasm. The nurse's sagacious management of neurologic, hemodynamic and pulmonary status and the ongoing support of the patient and family throughout the angioplasty procedure is crucial to a positive outcome.