Comparative Analysis of Neuroangiography between Comprehensive and Ambulatory Centers

Introduction Neuroangiography performed at Ambulatory Neurosurgical Centers (ANSCs) has demonstrated safety, efficacy, high patient satisfaction, and efficient turnover and procedural times. Strategic allocation of appropriate neuroendovascular cases to ANSCs may offer significant economic advantages in the evolving healthcare landscape. We compared hospital stay, procedural duration, and recovery turnover times for diagnostic cerebral angiograms performed at a Comprehensive Cerebrovascular Center (CCC) versus an ANSC. Methods We performed a case‐control matched analysis, controlling for age and indication for diagnostic cerebral angiography, limited to the following categories: aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, extracranial stenosis or occlusion, intracranial stenosis or occlusion, and extra‐ or intracranial tumors. Results Controlling for age and indication also accounted for comorbidity distribution, which was significantly higher in patients undergoing angiography at the CCC prior to matching. Total hospital stay, total OR time, time from admission to OR entry, and recovery time (OR exit to discharge) were all significantly shorter in the ANSC cohort compared to the CCC cohort, both before and after matching (all p<0.001). No intra‐ or postprocedural complications occurred in either cohort. All ANSC patients reported the highest satisfaction score (5/5). Conclusion In patients with comparable comorbidities, ANSCs outperformed CCCs in terms of shorter hospital stays, reduced procedural and recovery times, high patient satisfaction, and potential cost savings—highlighting their promise as a cost‐effective, patient‐centered model for delivering neuroendovascular care.