Practice pioneers new aneurysm technology for riskiest brain aneurysms

June 20th, 2024 by Reza J. Karimi, MD

Not all brain aneurysms are the same. Nor are all surgeons and practices.

Out of over 1,000 neurological medical centers in the country, the vascular neurosurgery team at New Jersey Brain and Spine was selected to participate in the Citadel embolization device study.

The minimally invasive approach for brain aneurysms varies from a more common coil treatment to one that’s more like a ribbon shape.

A coil treatment for a brain aneurysm is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks blood flow to the aneurysm and thus permanently decreases its risk of bleeding. But aneurysms come in all shapes and sizes, and so-called “wide-neck” versions – like a balloon with a larger base where the tie-base is – are usually significantly more difficult to treat.

“The idea is that you can treat very wide aneurysms that would previously need a stent, or they would need open surgery to clip the aneurysm,” said neurosurgeon Dr. Reza Karimi. “In select cases, we may be able to avoid using a stent or clipping the aneurysm. This can significantly impact a patient’s chances of success and their time to recovery.”

There are many advantages to minimally invasive brain surgery, including smaller incisions and less pain, reduced risk of infection and faster recovery time, and reduction in psychological effects from cutting a patient’s hair.

“I want my patients to know that if they have a condition that requires surgery, I’m going to get them through it as safely as possible, using the most minimally invasive techniques available,” said Dr. Karimi.

Innovations around new treatment options – especially for the most at-risk patients – are a particular motivation for his team, Dr. Karimi said.

“The Citadel device may represent a paradigm shift in the way we’re going to endovascularly treat the more challenging brain aneurysms,” said Dr. Karimi. “Our practice was picked as one of the most experienced operators with the best safety track records. There’s a lot of competition to be in trials like this, and it really pushes the boundaries of how New Jersey Brain and Spine and Hackensack University Medical Center can deliver the best care to our patients.”

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