McLaren Macomb, the acute care hospital serving all of Macomb County, is the first in the county to use Woven EndoBridge (WEB) Aneurysm Embolization System for the treatment of a complex intracranial aneurysm. Performed by interventional neurologist Dr. Aniel Majjhoo, the procedure is a minimally invasive alternative treatment to potentially life-threatening brain aneurysms.
An aneurysm is a thinning and weakening of the arterial wall, creating a balloon-like bulge. Depending on its size or location within the brain, aneurysms may be classified as ‘complex,’ potentially making traditional treatments less effective.
The WEB implant is a permanent nickel titanium mesh ball that self-expands, reducing blood flow to the site of the aneurysm.
“We have had great success in treating patients with this new system,” Dr. Majjhoo said. “This innovative technology allows us to treat several various complex aneurysms both electively and emergently, providing more treatment options for a wide variety of patients. Because it is such a minimally invasive system, the patient is at less risk for complications, has a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery time.”
Performed by interventional neurologists utilizing the latest imaging technology, once the implant is tunneled by the catheter system to the aneurysm in the brain, it is detached from the delivery system and placed within the aneurysm, reducing blood flow that aids in its growth while also promoting clotting.
Blood flow aids in the growth of the aneurysm, which increases the chances of rupture, sending blood into the brain and skull. A ruptured aneurysm causes a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a severely life-threatening condition. Treatments are aimed at diverting blood flow from the aneurysm, stopping its growth and, in some treatments, naturally shrinking it.
Un-ruptured aneurysms may not present with any symptoms while others will have symptoms of worsening headaches numbness on one side of the face, double vision and drooping eyelids. Ruptured aneurysm symptoms (requiring emergency medical care) include a sudden-onset severe headache described as the ‘worst headache ever,’ nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred and double vision, seizure, sensitivity to light, droopy eyelids, confusion and loss of consciousness.
Learn more about neurological care at McLaren Macomb at mclaren.org/macombneurology.
About McLaren Macomb
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County and is also an accredited chest pain center. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/macomb or follow our blog mclaren.org/macombblog.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a fully integrated health network committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 14 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 490-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 620,000 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health and hospice providers, retail medical equipment showrooms, pharmacy services, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of only 49 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. McLaren has 26,000 employees and more than 85,500 network providers. Its operations are housed in more than 350 facilities serving Michigan and Indiana.