Medtronic’s Pipeline™ Flex Embolization Device Now at Lafayette General Medical Center

Minimally-Invasive Device for Unruptured Brain Aneurysms Offers More Exact and Controlled Placement

Medtronic, a global leader in medical technology, received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its Pipeline™ Flex embolization device in February 2015. After being available only through a limited U.S. launch, this latest-generation flow-diversion device is now available at Lafayette General Medical Center through the office of Neurologist Damon Patterson, M.D.

Medtronic’s diversion device represents an unrivaled advancement in large and giant brain aneurysm treatment.

“The Pipeline Flex embolization device is a game-changer,” says Dr. Patterson, Interventional Neurologist and Medical Director of Stroke Services at LGMC. “With flow-diversion, we are now able to treat large and wide-necked aneurysms via a minimally-invasive, endovascular approach. This avoids the risks of conventional treatment and allows patients to spend less time recovering and more time enjoying life.”

Dr. Patterson, a member of LGMD Physician Group, first performed the Pipeline Flex procedure in July. A patient, Julia Richard of Eunice, went to the Emergency Room at Acadia General Hospital because she was suffering from double vision and feared she was having a stroke. A CT scan found an aneurism located behind her left eye, and she was referred to Dr. Patterson’s office.

“Dr. Patterson asked me if I would be open to trying this new procedure,” says Richard. “They asked and I said, ‘OK’. Who wouldn’t if they want to get better?”

Designed to divert blood flow away from an aneurysm, the Pipeline Flex embolization device features a braided cylindrical mesh tube that is implanted across either the base or neck, of the aneurysm. The device cuts off blood flow to the aneurysm, reconstructing the diseased section of the parent vessel.

Richard says her recovery was a success, and she would recommend Dr. Patterson to anyone. “Definitely do it,” she says. “I refer to Dr. Patterson as ‘The Healer’,” she chuckles.

“The Pipeline Flex embolization device is the next advancement in flow diversion, combining a clinically-proven braid design with a new delivery system designed to offer improved accuracy and control when performing these advanced procedures inside the brain,” said Brett Wall, President, Neurovascular, Medtronic. “We are excited to bring new value to our medical community and patients.”

An estimated 500,000 people throughout the world die each year due to ruptured brain aneurysms, and half the victims are younger than 50 years of age, according to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

Dr. Patterson’s office, located in the Neuroscience Center of Acadiana at 136 Hospital Drive, Suite 100, in Lafayette, can be reached at (337) 289-8282.