We’re the first in England to carry out a coil embolisation using a Nautilus device, the latest technology for treating brain aneurysm, a weakness in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Two patients had the procedure at Queen’s Hospital on Tuesday 8 July.

A coil embolisation is a minimally invasive, x-ray guided procedure which treats the aneurysm by using coils placed inside to block blood flow to the area, preventing rupture which can lead to complications and even death in severe cases.

It is carried out by our Neuro Interventional Radiology team using catheters (long narrow tubes) to access the aneurysm, either via a tiny incision in the groin, or in this case, the patient’s arm.

The Nautilus offers 70% coverage of the aneurysm, more than existing devices. Patients also do not need to take blood thinning medications, which reduces the risk of complications, making it much safer.

Tufail Patankar, our lead consultant interventional neuroradiologist, who carried out the procedures (pictured above) and has been instrumental in bringing the latest technology to our hospital, said:

We’re stepping up to the best, offering world class treatment. This new device is safer for patients, while allowing us to carry out shorter, more efficient procedures with minimal recovery time.

Every aneurysm is different and some need to be treated differently. This adds another option, allowing us to innovate and ensure we can choose the best treatment for each patient.

For Pauline Freeman (pictured above with husband Paul), 69, the second patient to have the procedure in the UK, it has given her back a life without constant worry.

She said:

In January I had a massive pain in my head out of nowhere. A 12mm aneurysm had ruptured. My heart stopped and I was in a coma for two weeks, in hospital for six weeks. It was from that they found I had a second aneurysm. I had to recover from my surgery first, then they wanted to treat that one as soon as possible in case it also ruptured.

When they told me about this new device, I was happy to be one of the first patients but a bit nervous too. Tufail explained it all to me, what to expect, and put my mind at ease. I was surprised to be back home within 24 hours feeling fine, just a bit tired. I’m looking forward to getting back to normality after several months and getting on with my life without worrying. My husband Paul and I went away for three weeks in May and all the time I was worried in case the second aneurysm ruptured. Now I can relax knowing both are treated, and they will be keeping a check on me, I have a scan in six months.

Pauline can also now enjoy worry-free time with her family, including her 10 grandchildren, aged from four to 22, and eight-month-old great-granddaughter.

Tufail was supported by colleagues from New York and Brazil when carrying out the procedure for the first time.

J Mocco, from the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York was involved in the very first cases in Japan in 2020. He said:

It’s been a privilege to bring a little expertise and experience with this device. It’s exciting that people across Europe and now the UK have access to it, it’s going to help a lot of people.

Tufail is pictured above (fourth left), with colleagues following the procedure.