With a large aneurysm, your treatment options are limited. And sometimes patients are left with no options because of the aneurysm’s size. At UAMS, we are now offering a new treatment option for large and giant aneurysms.
UAMS is the first hospital in Arkansas to offer the PipelineTM Embolization Device technology. The device is designed to divert blood flow away from the aneurysm. Over time the vessel is reinforced and reformed, and the aneurysm is no longer a threat.
Pipeline is composed of 48 braided strands of cobalt chromium and platinum tungsten. The device is pushed through the microcatheter and then deployed by a combination of microcatheter withdrawal and forward pressure on the delivery wire.
Many times these types of aneurysms are operated on and clipped, which can have a 50 percent morbidity rate. However, the Pipeline procedure has a 95 percent survival rate. Also, compared to clipping, this procedure is less invasive and requires a shorter hospital stay. The procedure lasts between two and four hours. After the Pipeline procedure, patients can go home the next day. There will be a follow up MRA and angiogram in the months following the procedure.