Anchorage Daily News

What: Alaska Regional Hospital recently completed construction of an endovascular neuroradiology suite in its radiology department. It is 600 square feet and offers alternatives to brain surgery for treatment of aneurysm and stroke. Part of the hospital's Neuroscience Center, it is the only such facility in Alaska, said Kjerstin Lastufka, spokeswoman for Alaska Regional Hospital.

Many minimally invasive procedures offered are not available elsewhere in the state, she said. Endovascular neuroradiology is treatment of vascular diseases of the central nervous system and spine without using surgery.

The new suite, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art neuroradiology system, takes detailed X-ray images that allow the physician to reconstruct the patient's anatomy in a three-dimensional view. This provides a look into an aneurysm or ability to view blood vessels from two angles simultaneously. These images are used to thread fine catheters from the groin through blood vessels that lead to problem areas in the brain to seal off aneurysms, destroy clots or open clogged arteries with stents -- all without surgery.

Advantages to minimally invasive procedures may include reduced pain and intracranial swelling, a shorter hospital stay, decreased risk of infection, improved outcomes and satisfaction, and lower expense.

Where: 2801 DeBarr Road, second floor of the main hospital in the radiology department

Cost: $2.15 million

Architect: Maria Rentz

Contractors: KC Construction, general contractor; Last Frontier Mechanical; Alcan Electrical and Engineering Inc.; and Chinook Fire Protection.

Why: Alaska's aging population and the prevalence of stroke and aneurysm led the hospital to expand its neurosciences capabilities with the construction of this suite, said Lastufka.

Have you driven by a construction project lately and wondered "What is that going to be?" It might be a potential candidate for our Building Anchorage feature. If you have a project to suggest, call Asta Corley at 257-4307 or e-mail acorley@adn.com.

Information compiled by ASTA CORLEY / Anchorage Daily News

ADVERTISEMENT