Minimally Invasive Treatment of Brain Aneurysms to be Broadcast LIVE via Internet from Borgess Medical Center and slp3D

Neurointerventional doctors will demonstrate endovascular coil embolization, a medically revolutionizing surgical treatment for brain aneurysms to prevent stroke, in a live Webcast on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. ET from Borgess Medical Center.

Kalamazoo, MI -(PRWEB) September 9, 2003 - Neurointerventional doctors will demonstrate endovascular coil embolization, a medically revolutionizing surgical treatment for brain aneurysms to prevent stroke, in a live Webcast on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 5:30 p.m. ET from Borgess Medical Center. This will be the first time that a coil embolization procedure will be broadcast anywhere in the United States.

Brain aneurysms occur where there is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel that can be stretched out over the years, often by high blood pressure, ultimately resulting in a rupture. The traditional surgical approach requires the skull to be opened in order to place a specialized clip across the neck of the aneurysm to prevent arterial blood from entering it. Coil embolization offers another option for the treatment of brain aneurysms.

Utilized since the early 1990s and FDA-approved in the United States in 1995, endovascular techniques are less invasive and require less recovery time than surgical options. During coil embolization tiny, soft, platinum coils are placed within a bulging brain aneurysm in order to relieve pressure from circulating blood on the walls of the aneurysm and to prevent rupture. The coils are guided to the aneurysm through the use of a catheter inserted into the femoral artery at the groin. Through the use of precision radiologic monitors, and 3D imaging, the coils are advanced to the aneurysm.

Neurointerventionalist Firas Al-Ali, MD, of Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo will be performing the procedure with Neurosurgeon Richard Dirrenberger, MD, of Kalamazoo Neurology, and Neurologist Rashmi Kothari, MD, of the Borgess Research Institute, providing commentary throughout the Webcast. Its vital for patients to recognize stroke warning signals and act upon them immediately so treatment options can be considered before an actual stroke takes place," remarks Dr. Al-Ali.

The new Borgess neurointerventional program is a great asset that provides a new array of treatments," said neurosurgeon Richard Dirrenberger, MD. It also provides some dramatic new diagnostic information, like 3D imaging, that helps determine what is the best treatment option for the patient-drug treatment, surgical intervention or endovascular treatment."

To Access Broadcast: www.or-live.com/Borgess/1122

Contact Information:

Tracy Swartzendruber - Borgess Health Alliance
eBusiness Coordinator
269-226-5666
tswartzendruber@borgess.com

Carol Green -- slp3D
Director of Marketing
860-953-2900 x214
cgreen@slp3d.com