A brain surgeon has become the first medic in the US to use a new a way of treating aneurysms with small flexible platinum coils.

The method involves treating the bulging blood vessels by filling the bulge with the platinum coils and a liquid, which hardens to become a firm substance with a pudding-like consistency upon contact with blood.

The two elements of the treatment work in the manner of concrete and rebar and act to stabilise the aneurysm. This stops more blood from entering and in so doing prevents ruptures.

Dr Michael Horowitz, Chief of Neurosurgery at University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre, who used the method, told the Pittsburgh Tribune: "I think it's exciting to have the new technology. I, personally, think it's going to prove safer and more durable [than conventional treatment]."

Dr Horowitz' patient was treated in November with the method with Onyx and platinum coils used.

This combination, Dr Horowitz says, is more effective than treatment using coils or Onyx alone and will also last longer.

Earlier this year, Dr Horowitz used hundreds of platinum coils to help repair rare blood vessel malformation of a one-year old child.

Source:

UPMC surgeon devises aneurysm treatment, 15/12/07
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_542897.html

Platinum coils repair baby's brain, 03/01/07
http://www.platinum.matthey.com/media_room/1167822004.html

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