DMH Offers Decatur’s Only Neurointerventional Radiology Services Providing New Minimally Invasive Techniques For Treatment Of Brain Aneurysms

January 24, 2007
For More Information Contact: Mike Cassell, Marketing Director, 876-3232

The only treatment for a ruptured brain aneurysm used to be invasive brain surgery.

Decatur Memorial Hospital now offers new minimally invasive techniques provided by Interventional Neuroradiologist Baljit Deol, M.D., eliminating the need for major brain surgery for people with brain aneurysms.

The procedure is conducted in one of three state-of-the-art procedure rooms in the DMH Interventional Radiology Institute using the Siemens AXIOM Artis BA bi-plane digital flat panel technology. DMH is the first hospital in Illinois to offer the Siemens bi-plane equipment, which generates three-dimensional images, making it possible for Dr. Deol to view two different angles at the same time while guiding a catheter through blood vessels to reach the brain.

The minimally invasive technique involves using a small incision in the groin area to lead a catheter to the site of the aneurysm in the brain for treatment, giving most patients shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.

“Time is of the essence with a ruptured brain aneurysm,” said Dr. Deol. “If you suspect you are experiencing a brain aneurysm it is imperative that you come to DMH where we can repair the aneurysm using minimally invasive techniques. DMH is the only hospital in Decatur, Springfield or Champaign areas that can provide this life-saving procedure.”

Decatur resident Ellen Walters was the first person in Macon County to receive minimally invasive surgery for her brain aneurysm on Oct. 30, 2006. Dr. Deol performed the minimally invasive procedure on a Monday, and Walters went home on Wednesday after Dr. Deol and his interventional radiology team saved her life.

An aneurysm is a weak spot in the artery, often caused by years of simple wear and tear. This spot begins to bulge as blood pumps and flows through the body. If this spot becomes weak enough, and enough pressure is applied, the aneurysm ruptures.

One in 15 Americans will experience a ruptured brain aneurysm this year, with an additional 2 million people in the United States that have a brain aneurysm that hasn’t yet ruptured, according to the American Society of Interventional Radiology and Therapeutic Neuroradiology. Once ruptured, brain aneurysms are highly dangerous. A ruptured aneurysm in the brain that hemorrhages causes death in 50 percent of cases, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation. Another 25 percent will suffer delayed death and most of the remaining percentage of victims suffers long-term brain damage.

While risk of serious damage or death decreases greatly if the brain aneurysm is detected prior to rupture, aneurysms often show little or no symptoms and many people don’t know they have one. At times, those suffering with a brain aneurysm may experience: dilated pupils, double vision, pain above the eye, persistent headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, sensitivity to light and loss of sensation. “If a person is experiencing any symptoms of a brain aneurysm, DMH offers the areas only 3T MRI to optimally screen for an aneurysm,” Dr. Deol added.

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