Interventional neuroradiologists can treat aneurysms inside the brain to prevent rupture of the aneurysm and subsequent brain haemorrhage, which could cause stroke or death if the aneurysm ruptures. Using imaging to guide him, the interventional neuroradiologist makes a nick in the skin at the groin and threads a catheter up the artery to the aneurysm. He then places tiny coils at the site of the aneurysm to provide mechanical occlusion of the weakened area, so that pressure is no longer exerted on the aneurysm. The catheter is withdrawn and the coils remain to provide the occlusion. This minimally invasive interventional technique offers less risk than surgical repair. Surgery had been the primary treatment available until the platinum coil device was introduced in 1995. This treatment is also performed to treat haemorrhage if the aneurysm has burst.

Tiny platinum coils are threaded through a microcatheter and pushed into the aneurysm. The coils are flexible enough to conform to the aneurysm shape.

The aneurysm is filled in with coils, obstructing the flow of blood into the aneurysm. Each coil is attached to a delivery wire, allowing the physician to reposition or withdraw the coil to ensure ideal placement. Once properly positioned within the aneurysm, the coil is detached from the delivery wire using an electrolytic detachment process (electrical charge).

Click here to visit the Boston Scientific Web Site on Aneurysm Coils

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