Interventional neurologists at McLaren Macomb were the first in the Midwest to use the latest advancement in the treatment and repair of brain aneurysms, the Pipeline™ Flex Embolization Device with Shield Technology™.
The procedure was performed on June 1, with others following.
The Pipeline is a minimally invasive, catheter-based neurological procedure in which a specialized, mesh-like stent is implanted within the cerebral artery across the bridge of the aneurysm, diverting the blood flow that aids the aneurysm’s growth and potential rupture. The blood flow diversion allows the aneurysm to naturally and safely shrink over time.
The device’s Shield Technology advancement is a first-of-its-kind progression, modifying the Pipeline to reduce its material thrombogenicity, which is a device’s tendency to create potential stroke-causing blood clots.
The device received FDA approval on April 21.
“The original introduction of the Pipeline was a significant advancement in how aneurysms are repaired and treated overall,” said Dr. Aniel Majjhoo, interventional neurologist and medical director of neurosciences at McLaren Health Care, “and this advancement adds to the level of safety for the patient, both during their procedure and in their recovery.”
Dr. Majjhoo and fellow interventional neurologist Dr. Mahmoud Rayes performed the procedure in the hospital’s advanced imaging procedure room. It was in the same room that Dr. Majjhoo was the first in Macomb County to use the original Pipeline ™ Flex Embolization, introducing the device to the area in 2017.
“The procedure was performed and completed without any clinical complications,” Dr. Rayes said. “It was a total success, and the patient is expected to have a great outcome.”
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 aneurysms, resulting in a life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage, require emergency medical care. Symptoms can 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.
About McLaren Health Care
McLaren Health Care, headquartered in Grand Blanc, Michigan, is a $6 billion, fully integrated health care delivery system committed to quality, evidence-based patient care and cost efficiency. The McLaren system includes 15 hospitals in Michigan and Ohio, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 490-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 588,000 lives in Michigan and Indiana, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, one of only 51 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. McLaren has 28,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 90,000 network providers throughout Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Learn more at mclaren.org.