Northwestern Medicine enrols first participant in study of device to treat brain aneurysms

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Northwestern Medicine is participating in a multicentre US clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Microvention FRED flow diversion system (Flow Re-Direction Endoluminal Device) for the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms. The trial involves inserting a small, metallic mesh tube via a micro-catheter into the blood vessel across the entrance to the aneurysm. The device contains the flow of blood within the tube to keep it away from the aneurysm. This causes the aneurysm to clot and minimises the chance of rupture.

Bernard R Bendok, a neurological surgeon at Northwestern Memorial, performed the first surgery on 12 March. The patient was released from the hospital three days later and continues to recover.


“Historically, large aneurysms are particularly difficult to treat,” says Bendok, who is also a professor of neurological surgery, radiology and otolaryngology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “This new device system may offer additional benefits over first generation flow diversion devices because it can be partially deployed, retrieved and accurately repositioned or redeployed to ensure the most precise placement.”


“The results of this national trial could change the way large aneurysms are treated in a way that is a huge benefit to the patient,” Bendok adds. “Not only is this safer, it is less invasive, which drastically cuts recovery time. We are thrilled to offer participation in this study to our patients.”