A revolutionary new procedure to treat brain aneurysms that utilises platinum coils is proving successful according to an eminent surgeon.

Using a technique known as endovascular surgery Dr Allan Taylor has been performing operations at South Africa's Groote Schuur hospital.

Dr Taylor says a platinum coil and stainless steel wire is inserted into the groin, and then directed up the body and into the brain where it is pushed towards the aneurysm.

There it winds tightly into the 'bubble' that forms in the artery wall as a result of a weakness, at which point the stainless steel wire is detached and removed from the body, leaving the coil in place.

Now Dr Taylor says the procedure has been producing amazing results.

'Not everyone is a candidate for this type of brain surgery, but for those who are it means we don't have to open the brain to repair the damage, which is risky,' he explained.

'You open the brain to air, then have to move the brain out of the way which can cause damage. If you do it in a less invasive way, it's much better,' he added.

The purpose of the coil inserted into an aneurysm to fill the sac is to promote clotting, and to act as a trigger to start the body healing the aneurysm itself.

Doctor Taylor says that as well as the operation having medical benefits it enables the patient to leave hospital without having severe scarring on their head as a result of the operation.