The event highlighted flow diversion's role in minimally invasive aneurysm care, using simulations and training to enhance patient-specific outcomes.
This event brought together leading physicians and healthcare professionals, who engaged in a deep dive into the practicalities and challenges of treating high-risk aneurysm cases. The collaboration went beyond theoretical understanding, offering hands-on simulations and device-specific training to build confidence and proficiency in using new technologies like the Silk Vista Flow Diverter.
The Complex Challenge of Aneurysm Management: A Global Perspective
Unruptured aneurysms are prevalent, affecting around 3.2% of the global population. Ruptured aneurysms, though less frequent, pose a severe risk, with an incidence rate of approximately 10 cases per 100,000 people. [1] Recent advancements in minimally invasive treatments, such as flow diversion, has gained traction. However, successfully treating complex aneurysms requires more than just selecting the right technique; it requires a multifaceted, patient-specific approach to prevent rupture, maintain durability, and avoid complications.
As Dr. Alexandros Rentzos, Interventional Neuroradiologist at Sahlgrenska, highlighted, “The complexity of these cases demands not only the right device but also extensive preparation and coordination among the entire interventional team. Tailoring the treatment plan requires collaboration between physicians and device manufacturers to ensure the highest level of patient care."
A Collaborative Training Environment
The workshop focused on the specific challenges of treating complex aneurysms. Balt, as a medical device manufacturer, provided not only its innovative Silk Vista Flow Diverter but also a comprehensive suite of educational tools, simulated patient-specific training, and shared clinical experiences. Dr. Rentzos and his team were joined by esteemed physicians from Oslo, Umeå, and Copenhagen, all of whom participated in a hands-on simulation using the Silk Vista.
This was more than just a training session. The workshop included advanced simulation tools provided by Mentice, such as the VIST G7 virtual reality platform and physiological flow systems allowing participants to rehearse procedures in a patient-specific environment, and Ankyras, which supported optimal device selection. Such simulations enable physicians to practice deploying devices, fine-tuning their techniques, and testing outcomes in a controlled, risk-free setting.
“For interventional teams,” explained Dominic Steffel, Director of Product at Mentice, “these solutions provide an invaluable platform to support physicians’ mission of practicing complex procedures in a risk-free environment. By allowing physicians to test device behavior in a patient-free setting, we ensure they are well-prepared before treating complex aneurysm cases, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and advancing clinical excellence.”
Innovations in Technology: The Silk Vista Flow Diverter
Lucas Santoro, Senior Clinical Specialist at Balt, provided key insights into the Silk Vista Flow Diverter’s capabilities.
At the heart of this collaborative effort is the Silk Vista device—a next-generation flow diverter designed to provide full visibility, improve apposition to the vessel wall, and enhance navigability. Its greatest advantage is its capability for better navigation and controlled stent delivery through a 0.021 microcatheter, offering full radiopacity and resheathability of up to 90% after deployment. These features collectively make the Silk Vista flow diverter a transformative tool in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms, offering heightened procedural efficiency and improved patient outcomes.
According to Lucas Santoro, “The Silk Vista Flow Diverter is transformational for physicians dealing with challenging aneurysm cases. By improving procedural efficiency and reducing complications, it helps physicians conquer real-life challenges and achieve better outcomes for their patients. This includes lowering morbidity rates and minimizing the time spent in surgery, which ultimately leads to cost savings and better use of healthcare resources.”
Dr. Rentzos and his team embraced the simulation solutions offered by Mentice, emphasizing the value they add to patient-specific case rehearsals. “We believe the Ankyras simulation offers valuable insights by allowing us to visualize how a device will perform in a specific patient case before entering the operating room. It prepares us for potential challenges and equips us with strategies to navigate complex anatomies. By incorporating simulation into our clinical pathway, we see great potential for enhancing physician preparedness, leading to improved precision and ultimately achieving better patient outcomes.”
This sentiment was echoed by Diana Mårdbrink, CEO Balt Nordics, who highlighted the role of simulation in product adoption: "Mentice simulation solutions have significantly contributed in facilitating the adoption of Silk Vista flow diverters by providing physicians with a hands-on realistic training environment. By simulating patient-specific clinical cases, the technology improved both the confidence and proficiency of doctors, which benefits to a smoother adoption of Balt products in practice. This workshop has been highly appreciated by doctors, giving them greater trust in the Silk Vista flow diverter."
One of the most significant outcomes of the workshop was the peer-to-peer learning experience, fostering an environment where physicians from different regions could share knowledge and experiences.
“The workshop was extremely rewarding,” said Dr. Alexander Henze from Umeå University. “The real-life data presentations and hands-on simulations with the most advanced models provided a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technology and gain practical experience in a collaborative, real-world context.”
The collaborative platform offered a chance for participants to discuss best practices and tackle shared challenges, ultimately advancing their clinical skills and knowledge.
Broader Impacts: Efficiency, Access, and Support
The broader impact of this collaborative workshop extends beyond individual skill-building. By increasing access to advanced aneurysm treatment techniques, it promotes more efficient healthcare delivery, improving patient pathways and reducing costs. Physicians leave such workshops better equipped to handle complex cases, benefiting not only their immediate patients but also the larger healthcare system.
The event also underscored the value of peer networks and shared learning. The physicians who attended now have a deeper understanding of how to approach complex cases with a broader toolkit, including new devices, simulation technologies, and best practices. This knowledge-sharing ecosystem is vital to continuing innovation and improving patient outcomes in the treatment of aneurysms.
Balt's workshop at Sahlgrenska University Hospital exemplified the power of collaboration between medical professionals and industry leaders. By integrating innovative tools like the Silk Vista Flow Diverter and simulation platforms, participants gained hands-on experience and practical skills to tackle the most complex aneurysm cases. This collaborative model, emphasizing education, preparation, and peer support, represents a significant step forward in improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of interventional neuroradiology.
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References
[1] Brain Aneurysm Foundation: https://www.bafound.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Stats-and-Facts_download.pdf
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For more information, please contact:
Stacy Hammar
Senior Marketing Manager, Mentice
E-post: stacy.hammar@mentice.com
Mobile: +46 732 345 285
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