It is estimated that one in 50 Americans have an unruptured brain aneurysm, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Brain aneurysms occur when a weak spot in the wall of a brain artery bulges and fills with blood. This can lead to a rupture, causing a haemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, or even death. The underlying causes of aneurysms vary, encompassing genetic factors, high blood pressure, lifestyle issues, and trauma. Detection often happens incidentally during imaging for unrelated issues, as many aneurysms remain asymptomatic until they rupture.
The treatment of brain aneurysms has advanced significantly, with surgical intervention being a primary method to prevent rupture. Traditionally, open surgical clipping was the mainstay treatment. However, less invasive techniques have gained prominence, particularly endovascular procedures involving conductive wires.
According to a report on cerebral aneurysms published in the National Library of Medicine [1]: “There is expert evidence that the earlier the patient is referred to a neurosurgeon or an interventional neuroradiologist, the outcomes are better than if the patient presents with a rupture. For the most part, unruptured aneurysms are managed with clips or coils when possible.”
Improved treatments for brain aneurysms
Conductive wires, or guidewires, are utilised for minimally invasive interventions such as coil embolisation. In coil embolisation, a guidewire navigates through blood vessels to the aneurysm site, where coils are then deployed to induce clotting and stabilise the aneurysm.
The precision and reliability of conductive wires are critical in these procedures. They must exhibit exceptional flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility to navigate the intricate vascular pathways without causing damage.
Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in approximately 50% of cases. For those who survive, around 66% will suffer permanent neurological issues. However, advances in medical technology are improving this prognosis for many patients.
Conductive wires also facilitate the deployment of stents and flow diverters, which help redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm, reducing rupture risk. In addition, the latest innovations are helping patients manage conditions to reduce the risk of having a brain aneurysm in future, such as using AI-powered technology to improve the accuracy of stent fitting.
Specialists in metallurgy for conductive wires
Advanced conductive wires need specialist materials, requiring metallurgy expertise and precision manufacturing. Alleima is a leader in the design, engineering and production of ultra-fine, high-quality medical wires essential for treating brain aneurysms and other critical conditions. The company has a long-standing history of innovation in materials technology, particularly in leveraging its broad range of processing capabilities to realise life-changing medical solutions side-by-side with its customers.
Alleima is a leading partner for OEMs if there is a need for reliable engineering and precision manufacturing qualities indispensable for the complex and delicate procedures involved in aneurysm treatment. Their wire solutions for instance, are crafted from specialised alloys that offer a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for use in medical devices such as guidewires and stents.
Ultra-fine medical wire is engineered to provide exceptional performance in terms of mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Alleima’s expertise in metallurgy and engineering ensures that their complex solutions maintain structural integrity under the demanding conditions of the human body, reducing the risk of complications during medical procedures.
To learn more about the engineering services and processing capabilities of Alleima, visit their website www.alleima.com/medical or download the document below.
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[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507902/