Platinum wires are a crucial component of a new technique for treating cerebral aneurysms to prevent strokes occurring, it has been confirmed.

Researchers at Rockford Health System (RHS) have been trialling a minimally invasive procedure which can offer patients reduced pain, less blood loss and a quicker recovery.

Known as cerebral embolisation with coiling, the process involves threading a micro catheter from the femoral artery in the leg up to the brain, with the help of X-ray guidance.

The catheter is fitted with the thin platinum wires, which coil into a ball within the aneurysm to allow blood to clot around them, thus reducing the chance of an aneurysm bursting.

Dr Bratislav Velimirovic, a neurosurgeon in the Brain and Spine Center at RHS, claimed that the technique could help cut the number of American dying from strokes every year, which currently stands at 160,000.

"It is very important to be able to offer dual therapy and these days it is less and less common that hospitals only offer one," he told WIFR.

Dr Velimirovic, who developed the new procedure, revealed that it has been test on about 12 patients already, all of whom have experienced improved recovery times in comparison with those using traditional surgery.

Meanwhile, it emerged earlier this month that a platinum foil is the central feature in a new 'pharmacy' chip which could help to treat diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer.

Sources:



RockfordHospital Unveils New Treatment for Strokes (02/09/10)



RHS Neurosurgeon Uses Minimally-Invasive Surgical Technique to Save Victims of Brain Aneurysms and Arterial Stroke (02/09/10)

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