Bucharest’s Neurology Institute postpones procedures due to a shortage of materials

The National Institute of Neurology and Neurovascular Diseases in Bucharest is facing shortages of materials used to treat strokes and brain aneurysms, and some procedures have been postponed or placed on waiting lists.

The facility reportedly received approximately 25% of the funding granted last year through the Priority Action for Stroke. Due to insufficient supplies, doctors were unable to perform thrombectomies for several days—procedures that remove the clot blocking a cerebral artery. The interventions temporarily resumed after suppliers made a limited stock of aspiration catheters available on loan.

The problems have persisted for several months, and the available materials may run out again. For approximately two months, the institute has reportedly also been without coils, platinum spirals used for the endovascular treatment of aneurysms. As a result, patients with ruptured or unruptured aneurysms have been placed on waiting lists.

Doctors warn that delaying thrombectomy can reduce the chances of recovery after a stroke, while postponing aneurysm treatment increases the risk of rupture and cerebral hemorrhage. Specialists are calling for consistent funding, regular procurement and sufficient reserves for emergency situations.