A major new 500-patient international study into the efficacy of a groundbreaking platinum-based brain aneurysm treatment is to go ahead under the auspices of MicroVention.

The medical-device company, which is seeking to develop and commercialise its HydroCoil Embolization System, says it will compare the new technique with existing approaches.

The HydroCoil Embolic System is a "unique endovascular embolization device" which harnesses the company's platinum microcoil technology in conjunction with an expandable microporous hydrogel called Intelligel.

Intelligel is a "smart biomaterial" which does not swell until it comes into contact with blood, enabling physicians to control delivery of the device as it is positioned to fill the aneurysm.

Mike Kleine, president and CEO of MicroVention, expressed his confidence in the new technique.

"Physicians traditionally have used bare platinum coils to promote clotting of the aneurysm and prevent it from rupturing.

"However, previous retrospective studies and clinical experience have shown the HydroCoil system, which employs an expandable device that allows physicians improved volumetric filling and stability, is more effective.

"We are confident enough with this technology to take the lead in the market and test our product head-to-head against bare platinum coils."

The study will be based in the UK and supported by the National Health Service in conjunction with physicians in the US, France and Germany.

The technique marks an adaptation of platinum's function in treating brain aneurysms, which has developed rapidly in the last decade.