University of Utah - CNC

GM | 2 During the pipeline embolization procedure, a fl exible mesh tube is guided into position via a catheter threaded through the body from an artery in the leg. Once it is placed over the opening to an aneurysm, the mesh diverts blood fl ow away from the aneurysm, thus helping the wall of the blood vessel heal and effectively preventing blood from entering the aneurysm. "Pipeline embolization is an ideal solution for patients who have aneurysms that are traditionally diffi cult to treat because they are large, wide-mouthed, or diffi cult to access during surgery," says Min Park, MD, a neurosurgeon with the Clinical Neurosciences Center. "The procedure is minimally invasive and in some cases can replace a more complicated open surgery that may carry a higher risk of complications." Dr. Park and his colleague, neurosurgeon Phil Taussky, MD, are the only two physicians in Utah who are certifi ed to perform this procedure using the latest Pipeline Flex device. To refer a patient to the neurosurgery program at the Clinical Neurosciences Center, call (801) 585-6065. As an academic medical center, it is our goal to provide the most effi cient and advanced treatments available and to stay abreast of the latest technological advances for improved patient outcomes. Offering pipeline embolization is one of the ways we do that. —Min Park, MD Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disorder of motor nerves resulting in progressive loss of muscle strength and atrophy of muscles. Children with SMA have lifelong neurologic, orthopedic, nutritional, and pulmonary disabilities necessitating multispecialty care. The Inherited Nerve and Muscle Disorders Program at the Neurosciences Center provides multidisciplinary care for inherited diseases of the nerves and muscles, including SMA and muscular dystrophy. Doctors Nicholas Johnson, MD, and Russell Butterfi eld, MD, PhD, lead the program, which provides diagnostic testing, physical and occupational therapy, nutrition and respiratory care, genetic counseling, and a robust clinical research program. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating both therapeutic advances and disease pathology. "Our program provides cutting-edge, comprehensive care to these medically complex patients," Dr. Johnson says. "Through our research program, patients have the ability to participate in novel therapeutic trials that are otherwise unavailable. Our goals are to further treatments for these currently untreatable conditions and provide patients with a care program that includes expertise in these rare disorders." For more information, including a list of current clinical trials, visit utahneurosciences.com and select "Neuromuscular Disorders" under the "Conditions" section. Repairing Diffi cult Brain Aneurysms with This reliable, minimally invasive technique allows neurosurgeons at the Clinical Neurosciences Center at University of Utah Health Care to treat complex brain aneurysms. A th Frontier of Treatmen for Through research and clinical care, the Inherited Nerve and Muscle Disorders Program at the Clinical Neurosciences Center is committed to advancing treatment for spinal muscular atrophy and muscular dystrophy. PIPELINE EMBOLIZATION " " SPINAL MUSCULAR ATROPHY Min Park, MD Nicholas Johnson, MD

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