Wilford Hall radiologist performs lifesaving neurological procedure

Lt. Col. (Dr.) David White reviews an MRI scan in the Wilford Hall Radiology Department. He is the only interventional neuroradiologist in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sue Campbell)

By Sue Campbell
59^th Medical Wing Public Affairs

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A neuroradiologist at Wilford Hall Medical Center recently performed a neurological procedure never attempted at any other Air Force medical center.

Lt. Col. (Dr.) David White, chief of interventional neuroradiology at Wilford Hall, placed an intracranial carotid artery stent in a 70-year-old patient who was suffering severe blockage to the artery, a life-threatening condition.

The procedure was accomplished using a minimally invasive process, where a balloon and stent are inserted to open the carotid artery as it passes through the patient’s skull. The balloon is removed and the stent remains in place to keep the artery open.

This type of procedure is now being accomplished by interventional radiologists as an alternative to surgery, which can mean higher risk to the patient and longer hospital stays.

“This is state-of-the-art treatment which we are now able to offer at Wilford Hall Medical Center. This case is an example of our stroke specialists working together to provide the highest level of care for our patients,” said White. “There are multidisciplinary neuroscience specialists here with formal training for evaluating and managing patients with complex neurovascular conditions.”

Among the complex issues Wilford Hall interventional neuroradiologists have encountered are intracranial aneurysms, or abnormal bulging of an artery wall, acute stroke patients, and an arteriovenous fistula, or abnormal connection between an artery and vein. One of the stroke patients was a pregnant woman and the fistula patient was an Operation Iraqi Freedom soldier who suffered the condition after a bullet entered his cheek and exited through the back of his neck.

White is a rather new arrival to Wilford Hall, receiving formal diagnostic and interventional neuroradiology training before transferring here. He received diagnostic neuroradiology training at the University of Utah, and interventional neuroradiology training at the University of Cincinnati.

“When blood vessels that go to the brain rupture or become blocked, it can have very serious consequences, such as strokes and even death,” he said. “We are now able to offer services that weren’t available before, and it’s having a very positive impact on our patients.”