An American company has secured two patents for a platinum-based treatment of brain aneurysms.

MicroVention announced the patents after receiving positive news from the US Patent and Trademark Office regarding its "embolectomy catheters and methods for treating stroke and other small vessel thromboembolic disorders" and its "mechanism for the deployment of endovascular implants".

These patents mark the latest stage in the development of aneurysm embolization treatment using platinum coils,  which was pioneered by Target Therapeutics (Boston Scientific) 12 years ago. This involves the use of platinum coils to block aneurysms, with the devices being carefully positioned via the use of a catheter inserted in the leg, rather than the more dangerous invasive brain surgery.

The firm's HydroCoil Embolic System (HES) is a unique embolization device that combines the company's platinum microcoil technology with a highly expandable microporous hydrogel called Intelligel. Intelligel is a responsive or "smart material" giving physicians the ability to precisely control the positioning of the device.

The HES combines the safety and ease of use of platinum coils with the filling and healing properties of the hydrogel.

MicroVention president and chief executive officer Mike Kleine said: "We continue to work diligently on building our intellectual property assets and are pleased to add these two patents to our portfolio of over 20 issued in the U.S. and internationally."

"We were particularly pleased to strengthen the coverage of our HydroLink Detachment System. This system is used throughout our embolization product lines, including our platinum MicroPlex Coil System and our next-generation HydroCoil Embolic System," he added.

Endovascular embolization is one of the fastest growing markets in vascular medical technology.