March 2004

Alfred leads Australia in aneurysm treatment

Alfred Hospital doctors are among the first in Australia to use a new type of ‘glue’ to repair aneurysms.

Alfred interventional radiologist Dr Anoop Madan used a liquid polymer called Onyx to repair aneurysms in two patients.

It was the first time such a procedure had been tried in Australia and was taught to Dr Madan by visiting Brazilian doctor Ronie Piske.

Dr Madan said the procedure was more effective and less invasive than many other techniques for treating aneurysms.

Importantly, it prevented future bleeding in the aneurysm, a potential complication.

‘It improves the long term outcomes for patients and prevents a recurrence of the aneurysm,’ Dr Madan said.

‘These were aneurysms that were discovered by chance with a risk of bleeding and significant risk if they bled.’

About 25,000 Victorians have brain aneurysms, which are like a blister in an artery of the brain.

Each year about 500 Victorians suffer a rupture of an aneurysm that can lead to death or disability.

Dr Madan inserted a catheter into the patient’s groin and up to the brain.

He then injected the polymer through the catheter to the aneurysm.

The polymer expanded inside the aneurysm to become a solid, spongy mass within three minutes.

Dr Madan said the treatment, used in Europe since 1999, could also treat wide-necked aneurysms.

‘It can be used in cases where a coil may not be and can fill every crevice of the aneurysm.’