Spin out develops new brain aneurysm device
26 Feb 2016 by Evoluted New Media
An Oxford University spin out has raised £2m to develop a tool for treating intracranial aneurysms.
An Oxford University spin out has raised £2m to develop a tool for treating intracranial aneurysms.
Oxford Endovascular will develop a small metallic mesh tubes to be trialled in clinical trials.
Brian Howlett, chairman of Oxford Endovascular, said: “We believe the device will dramatically improve outcomes for patients, as many cannot be treated with current technologies. Physicians will be able to place the device more accurately and in a wider range of patients ensuring treatment is safer and more effective.”
The devices are made using a special laser-cut metal which has a shape memory. It can be inserted into the brain via a catheter during surgery and opened ip into a ‘flow diverter’ that fits the natural shape of the blood vessel.
A brain aneurysm is a weakened area of the blood vessel which balloons or bulges due to blood pressure. If left untreated it can burst or rupture, which can result in serious brain damage or death. A third of people with brain aneurysms will die, it is claimed, with a third of survivors suffering permanent brain damage if left untreated.
“Our aim is our devices will also be able to treat deeper brain blood vessels not accessible with existing devices,” said Howlett.
The device was developed with support from the Wellcome Trust, Technikos and Oxford University. It was created by James Bryne, professor of neuroradiology at John Radcliffe Hospital, and Zhong You, a professor from the department of Engineering Science.
Funding was raised through Oxford Sciences Innovation PLC, the University of Oxford Isis Fund and other private investors.
