Minimally invasive treatment of brain aneurysms to be broadcast LIVE via Internet

Neurointerventional doctors will demonstrate endovascular coil embolization, a medically revolutionizing surgical treatment for brain aneurysms, via Internet in a live Webcast (http://webcast.borgess.com) at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 from Borgess Medical Center.

Kalamazoo, MI (PRWEB) September 18, 2003 - Neurointerventional doctors will demonstrate endovascular coil embolization, a medically revolutionizing surgical treatment for brain aneurysms, via Internet in a live Webcast (http://webcast.borgess.com) at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, September 16, 2003 from Borgess Medical Center.

This will be the first time that a coil embolization procedure will be broadcast anywhere in the United States.

Healthcare providers are eligible to receive 1.0 Hour of CME credit for viewing the Webcast. CME credits are available for Michigan residents only.

Brain aneurysms occur where there is a weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel. The vessel wall can be stretched out over the years, often by high blood pressure, ultimately resulting in a rupture. The 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. Until recently, some aneurysms were unable to be treated without high risk to the patient.

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, also of Neurosurgery of Kalamazoo, and Neurologist Rashmi Kothari, MD, an Emergency Medicine Specialist 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 diagnostic information, like 3D imaging, that helps determine what is the best treatment option for the patient-drug treatment, surgical intervention or endovascular treatment."

Borgess Health Alliance was the first in southwest Michigan to offer minimally invasive treatment options for aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), stroke and vertebrae fractures through Neurointerventional Surgery & Diagnostic Services.

Borgess Health Alliance includes more than 160 sites of care and 71 satellite clinics in 18 southern Michigan cities, as well as nine owned or affiliated hospitals, a nursing home, ambulatory care facilities, home health care, physician practices, managed care services, a cancer center and an air ambulance service.
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