Neurosurgeons are to demonstrate the landmark new treatment for brain aneurysms, endovascular coil embolisation, live from the US Borgess Medical Centre later this month.

The procedure is carried out to reduce the risk of stroke following an aneurysm. Aneurysms occur due to weakened blood vessels, often caused by protracted periods of high blood pressure, which can stretch and ultimately rupture as the years progress.

Until recently, the only surgical approach to the problem was to open the skull and attach a clip across the aneurysm, to prevent the entry of arterial blood.

Since the mid-1990s, coil embolisation - a less invasive procedure - has been available to surgeons.

This involves the placing of miniscule, soft platinum coils within the brain aneurysm. These reduce the effects of pressure from circulating blood on the walls of the anomaly, and concomitantly, the risk of rupture.

In a process that uses some of the most cutting edge technology available to medical science, the coils are guided to the target area by use of a catheter inserted into the femoral artery at the groin.

These are then guided to the aneurysm through the use of precision radiologic monitors and 3D imaging.