A new device is now available in the United States to help destroy unruptured brain aneurysms before they lead to a stroke or other serious consequences. More than six million people currently have an unruptured brain aneurysm, but many are unaware of their condition until it’s too late.
One individual, Judy Sadler, experienced symptoms such as a severe bloody nose and high blood pressure, which led her to seek medical attention. An MRI revealed a brain aneurysm in the front part of her brain, fortunately before it had ruptured.
Neurointerventional surgeon Ian Kaminsky explains that when a brain aneurysm bleeds, 10 percent of individuals die immediately, with many others experiencing severe disabilities or not surviving their hospital stay. The nationwide clinical trial he is part of is testing the contour neurovascular system, which aims to shut off aneurysms without the need for stents or coils.
The procedure involves blocking the flow into the aneurysm by opening inside it and using a mesh density to destroy the aneurysm. This method results in a shorter procedure and recovery time, as evidenced by Judy returning to work just three days after her treatment.
Through ongoing research and clinical trials, researchers hope to gather data on the contour device’s effectiveness in treating aneurysms and eventually seek FDA approval. Currently, they are continuing to enroll patients in the study to further test the device’s capabilities and benefits.
