Providence Physician fixes Brain Aneurysms without Surgery

Providence Physician Fixes Brain Aneurysms Without Surgery

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Adam Borowski, M.D., one of 11 Texas neurological interventional radiologists, is performing procedures at Providence that allow him to address aneurysms without surgery. Aneurysms, burst blood vessels in the brain, are deadly and usually come without much warning . . .sometimes fatal within fifteen minutes. About 1 in every 15 Americans, it is estimated, is living with an aneurysm right now—and about 30,000 of them will burst this year.

Today, patients have a choice between two treatments: clipping or coiling. Traditional treatment has been “clipping”—a surgical procedure that has resulted in more than 30% of its patients disable or dead. For thirty years, clipping has been our standard treatment—resulting in a procedure involving a neurosurgeon actually cutting into a segment of the skull and clamping the bleeding site much like one would seal a loaf of bread.

New medical technology has resulted in the introduction of “coiling”—a procedure radiologists use to non-surgically place a “slinky”-type device into the weakened blood vessel and aneurysm, strengthening it immediately . . .resulting in a reduction of recovery time as well as lowering the chances of dangerous bleeding, strokes and other complications.

Providence radiologist, Dr. Adam Borowski, is already offering coiling to Central Texans at the Providence Health Center. Both an inventor and a surgeon, Dr. Borowski has been using this technology for years—perfecting it through the design of a catheter smaller than a human hair! Skillfully placing the catheter in position, Dr. Borowski feeds coils into the weakened vessel until he’s able to create a protective covering much like a “Brillo” pad. Once in place, Dr. Borowski fills the weakened gap with detachable coils until blood flow is restored to normal.

In less than a minute, Dr. Borowski can precisely place coils and seal weakened vessels that would have previously resulted in death or severe disability. The most common side effect is bruising where the skin is punctured—something all of us can certainly live with!

The New York Times recently released results from a London-based study revealing at least a 7% decrease in mortality rates when treating aneurysms non-surgically using the “coiling” procedure. This new procedure utilizes computer-aided X-ray scanners to assist the neuro-radiologist in advancing the catheter into place for treatment. Upon completion, blood clots onto the coils creating a dam that actually redirects blood flow and eliminates the threat created by the aneurysm.

Just this month, Georgia Cox was treated by Dr. Borowski. Ms. Cox came to Dr. Borowski suffering from constant headaches. “The fact that I was home by 2pm the very next day is still a surprise to me,” Ms. Cox reports. With no previous diagnosis of an aneurysm, Ms. Cox was suffering from constant headaches, and the most immediate change she noticed was the relief of that nagging pain! She adds, “Physically, I feel like I can now just do the things I’ve wanted to do. And, of course, I’ve already recommended Dr. Borowski to my friends and family. His explanation of the symptoms was flawless and he gave me the time to make up my own mind about treatment.”

Patients selecting the coiling procedure are thrilled with the results. Dorothy McMeens had her aneurysm coiled last month and she shared, “My life is very different today. This second chance has awakened me to spend more time smelling the roses . . .experiencing the things in life that satisfy my spirit!” In spite of her inpatient rehabilitation time, Ms. McMeens spoke highly of the openness, honesty and forthrightness she found in the way Dr. Borowski managed her condition. She adds, “Dr. Borowski’s honesty gave me the perception that he genuinely cared about me . . .he did not shuffle me off as just another patient. Instead, he personally accompanied me throughout the entire procedure.”

Coiling an aneurysm is a way of serving others for Dr. Borowski. Each day, he brings together the world of technology and joins it to the world of touch—creating for his patients an environment of healing that can lead to quality of living for years to come.

*Media interviews with Dr. Adam Borowski may be scheduled through the Providence Healthcare Network Marketing & Public Policy Department. Please contact Jonathan D. Ford at (254) 751-4070 for more information.

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