Dr Levansri Makalanda Consultant Interventional
Neuroradiologist in London
Education
Dr Makalanda qualified at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in 1999. He holds MRCS, FRCR and three European Diplomas in neuroradiology, with earlier training in cardiothoracic surgery and intensive care.
Experience
A Consultant at Barts Health since 2012, he led The Royal London Hospital’s neurointerventional service until 2025. He has personally performed over 3,000 brain and 4,500 spinal procedures.
Research
He is Principal Investigator on multi-centre stroke and aneurysm trials, including ESCAPE-MeVO, and has over 60 peer-reviewed publications.
Specialisation
He treats brain and spinal vascular conditions using minimally invasive techniques and offers Gamma Knife radiosurgery for selected AVMs. He sees patients in clinic at 30 Devonshire Street and performs procedures at The Wellington Hospital and The London Clinic.
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
Specialist treatments
Treatment of aneurysms
Most aneurysms can now be treated from inside the artery with coils, stents or a flow diverter, without opening the skull. Not every aneurysm needs treating, and I will tell you honestly whether yours does, and if so which option fits.
Arteriovenous malformations
Every malformation is different. I plan each case individually, using embolisation, Gamma Knife radiosurgery or surgery with colleagues, and explain the trade-offs in plain English.
Mechanical thrombectomy
In a stroke caused by a blocked artery, I remove the clot through a catheter and restore blood flow. This is emergency treatment, reached by ambulance, not by appointment. If someone has stroke symptoms now, call 999.
Spine injections
Image-guided injections that put pain relief exactly where the nerve is irritated, usually as a day case at The London Clinic.
Where I see patients
3 locations in London
Locations
Select a location to show it on the map.
Experience in numbers
3,000+
Brain procedures performed
4,500+
Spinal procedures
60+
Peer-reviewed publications
25+
Years in medicine
Professional memberships
Fellow of the European Board of Neurointervention; member of ESMINT, the British Society of Neuroradiologists and the UK Neurointerventional Group.
European Board of Neurointervention Fellow · Europe
European Society of Minimally Invasive Neurological Therapy Member · Europe
British Society of Neuroradiologists Member · United Kingdom
UK Neurointerventional Group Member · United Kingdom
What patients say
“Charming gentleman who made me totally relaxed. I was able to ask questions and happy with response.”
Verified patient review, Doctify, July 2026“Dr Makalanda has been exceptional throughout my care. I am so glad we decided to proceed with his service.”
Verified patient review, Doctify, July 2026“From our first consultation, he took the time to explain everything thoroughly, ensuring I understood my diagnosis, the procedure, the risks and benefits.”
Verified patient review, Doctify, July 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is an interventional neuroradiologist?
A doctor who treats conditions of the brain, head, neck and spine from inside the blood vessels, using image guidance instead of open surgery. Most procedures are done through a small puncture at the wrist or groin.
Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Makalanda privately?
Most self-paying patients can be seen without a GP referral. If you are using private medical insurance, your insurer will usually ask for one.
Where does Dr Makalanda see private patients?
Clinic reviews are normally undertaken at 30 Devonshire Street, London W1G 6PU.
How is a brain aneurysm treated without open surgery?
Most aneurysms are now treated from inside the blood vessel using coiling, stent-assisted coiling or a flow diverter, avoiding opening the skull and usually meaning a shorter recovery.
What causes pulsatile tinnitus and can it be treated?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic, heartbeat-like sound in the ear, often caused by abnormal blood flow near the ear. Many causes are treatable, and the first step is specialist imaging to find the source.
What is mechanical thrombectomy?
An emergency procedure to remove a blood clot from a brain artery during a stroke, reopening the vessel and limiting long-term disability.
Is interventional neuroradiology safe?
Minimally invasive techniques generally carry less risk than open surgery, but every procedure has risks. Dr Makalanda explains the specific risks and benefits for each case.
Can I get a second opinion on a brain or spine diagnosis?
Yes. Many patients come for a second opinion before deciding on treatment, and are welcome to bring existing scans and reports.
