UCLA Pioneering a 3-D Imaging Software that Targets Brain Aneurysms
01/01/2009
A brain aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or ballooning out of a weakened portion of an artery in the brain. As the aneurysm grows larger, the wall of the aneurysm becomes weaker, and the risk that it may burst or rupture becomes greater. When a brain aneurysm ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain, there is a 70% chance that the patient will either die or suffer a severe stroke or brain damage that would prevent them from independent living.
Unfortunately, people with brain aneurysms often show no symptoms until the aneurysm ruptures. However, various imaging scans allow doctors to discover aneurysms.
Now a new 3-D imaging software enables interventional neuroradiologists to determine the exact location, size and shape of each aneurysm in the brain. Furthermore, the program may help to predict the likelihood of its rupture by simulating the blood flow direction, speed and measuring the friction of blood flow inside the aneurysm. The new 3-D software is an invaluable tool for doctors and patients to decide the best treatment approach in advance. UCLA is one of the only two U.S. hospitals using this 3-D imaging software under a federal grant.
UCLA interventional neuroradiologists, Dr. Tateshima and Dr. Duckwiler, discussed this new 3-D imaging software on news aired across the country. They explained how this new advanced imaging technology help doctors to assess a patient's condition before they decide their course of action. Rebecca Gadberry, one of Dr. Tateshima's patients, shared her success story on treating her aneurysms. Dr. Duckwiler also discussed a minimally invasive Coil Embolization treatment for aneurysms in the NBC Nightly News.
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