Dr. Levansri Makalanda

Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist in London

Dr Makalanda in clinical setting
Consultation banner
Clinical Lead, Interventional Neuroradiology BRAIN, Royal London Hospital

About Dr. Makalanda

About Dr Makalanda section background
Dr Makalanda portrait gradient

Education

Dr. Makalanda is uniquely credentialed in diagnostic, endovascular, and spinal intervention, supported by specialist training and a clinical background in cardiothoracic and intensive care.

Experience

He leads the UK's largest interventional neuroradiology team and has performed more than 10,000 procedures while managing a 24/7 stroke service.

Specialisation

He provides incision-free treatment for complex brain and spinal conditions, including Gamma Knife surgery, and expert neurovascular second opinions.

Areas of expertise

Conditions I Treat

Interventional neuroradiology treats conditions of the brain, head, neck and spine from the inside of the blood vessels, using image guidance and instruments passed through a tiny puncture, usually at the wrist. For most patients that means no large incision, less risk, and a faster recovery than open surgery.

View all
gradient
Cranial dural fistula

Cranial dural fistula

Sealing abnormal artery-to-vein connections in the lining around the brain to restore normal blood flow and prevent bleeding.

Pulsatile tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus

Diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of rhythmic, heartbeat-like ear noise caused by abnormal blood flow around the brain.

Stroke

Stroke

Emergency clot retrieval (mechanical thrombectomy) to reopen blocked brain arteries quickly and limit long-term disability.

Carotid stent

Carotid stent

Opening narrowed neck arteries with a small mesh tube to restore healthy blood flow to the brain and reduce stroke risk.

Cerebral venous disorders

Cerebral venous disorders

Minimally invasive treatment of narrowed or blocked brain veins to improve the brain's natural blood drainage.

Spinal dural fistula

Spinal dural fistula

Mapping and sealing abnormal spinal blood vessel connections to protect the spinal cord from progressive damage.

Brain AVM

Brain AVM

Treatment of abnormal tangles of brain blood vessels using embolisation, sometimes combined with surgery or radiosurgery.

Spinal AVM

Spinal AVM

Careful embolisation of abnormal spinal blood vessels to protect the spinal cord from bleeding and loss of function.

Embolisation for subdural haematoma

Embolisation for subdural haematoma

A minimally invasive procedure (middle meningeal artery embolisation) to treat chronic blood collections on the brain's surface and reduce the chance of recurrence.

Gamma Knife for AVM

Gamma Knife for AVM

Precisely targeted radiation used to gradually close off deep or complex brain AVMs without open surgery.

Intracranial stent

Intracranial stent

Placing a fine mesh tube inside a narrowed brain artery to improve blood supply and help prevent stroke.

CSF disorders

CSF disorders

Pinpointing and sealing spinal fluid leaks to resolve severe, position-related headaches.

Myelogram

Myelogram

Detailed contrast imaging of the spinal canal to identify nerve compression, fluid leaks, or other structural problems.

Spine injection

Spine injection

Targeted, image-guided injections to relieve pain from nerve irritation or inflammation in the back and neck.

Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture

A precise, image-guided sampling of spinal fluid for diagnosis or to relieve raised pressure.

Specialist Treatments

gradient
Mechanical thrombectomy
Treatment of aneurysms
Arteriovenous malformations
Spine injections

Treatment of aneurysms.

In the past, treating an aneurysm was a complex process. Today, thanks to medical elective advances, we have modern techniques that allow us to treat most cases using minimally invasive methods.

Find us

Find

View on Google Maps
View on Google Maps
Metrics

Results That Matter

2,500+

Brain procedures performed

3,500+

Spinal procedures

60+

Peer-reviewed publications

25+

Years in medicine

Trusted by Leading Societies

Proudly connected with leading medical societies worldwide, building strong affiliations that reflect our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the highest standards of patient care.

  • Partner medical society
  • Partner medical society
  • Partner medical society
  • Partner medical society
  • Partner medical society
  • Partner medical society

Frequently Asked Questions

Does An Aneurysm Mean I Will Have A Bleed?

Not necessarily. Many aneurysms never bleed. Your doctor looks at factors like size, shape, location, and personal risk factors to decide what's safest for you.

What Size Is "Dangerous"?

Size matters, but it's not the only factor. Shape, location, and patient factors can be equally important.

Do Headaches Mean My Aneurysm Is About To Rupture?

Most headaches are not related to aneurysm rupture. If you ever have a sudden "worst headache of your life," seek emergency care.

Will I Need A Catheter Angiogram (DSA)?

Sometimes. It depends on how clear your non-invasive imaging is and what your specialist needs to plan treatment or follow-up.

Is Endovascular Treatment Always Safer Than Surgery?

Not always. The best option depends on aneurysm anatomy, location, and your overall health.

If I Have A Stent/Flow Diverter, What Medication Is Needed?

Many patients need blood-thinner/antiplatelet medication for a period of time. Your care team will tailor this to you.

Can An Aneurysm Come Back After Treatment?

In some cases, yes. That's why follow-up imaging is important.

Can I Fly / Exercise / Go To The Gym?

Often yes, with guidance. Ask your specialist about safe intensity levels and any restrictions.

Can Stress Cause Rupture?

Stress can raise blood pressure, which may affect risk. Managing stress and blood pressure is generally recommended.

Can I Get A Second Opinion?

Yes. Many patients seek a second opinion to feel confident about the plan and options.