Aneurysm Treatment Performed for the First Time in North Houston

The Woodlands, TX (Sept. 5, 2019) – Jeremiah Johnson, MD, and Peter Kan, MD, neurosurgeons at Baylor College of Medicine and St. Luke’s, have performed the first brain aneurysm treatment in North Houston using the new WEB (Woven EndoBridge) device. Using this new FDA-approved technology, physicians performed the minimally invasive endovascular treatment at St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital, where Johnson is the Chief of Endovascular Neurosurgery.

The innovative approach consists of the deployment of a single soft metal WEB device through a small tube into the aneurysm to block blood flow into it, thus preventing a rupture. “The technology is designed to simplify treatment of challenging wide necked aneurysms that would normally require the insertion of multiple devices inside the vessel, such as stents and coils, or might require a major brain surgery,” said Dr. Johnson. “It’s also a good option for patients who cannot be put on blood thinners, which are often required for other treatment options.”

“I’m thrilled that St. Luke’s Health was the first one to perform this minimally-invasive procedure in North Houston, and look forward to offering this option to more patients with complex brain aneurysms in the Woodlands and surrounding areas,” said Jim Parisi, president of St. Luke’s Health–The Woodlands Hospital. “It’s an incredible alternative to open surgery that often allows patients to go home the next day.”

In 2018, St. Luke’s Heath—Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center was the first in Texas to use the PulseRider, a neurovascular device used to treat patients with wide-neck bifurcation aneurysms. One year later, advancements have been made in the area and the hospital is again one of the first to begin using WEB. 

Dr. Kan became the first neurointerventionalist to be certified to treat aneurysms using the WEB device in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. Dr. Johnson is a nationally recognized cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon and leads the only comprehensive stroke center in North Houston.

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About St. Luke’s Health – The Woodlands Hospital

The Woodlands Hospital provides high quality, compassionate care for residents of The Woodlands and surrounding areas. It is a 242-bed hospital that offers the latest in diagnostic, medical and surgical services, including cardiology, neurosciences and stroke care, orthopedics, bariatric, wound care, rehabilitation, surgery, women's health and emergency care.

About the CHI Texas Division

The CHI Texas Division, a member of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), is comprised of three markets―in Houston, St. Luke’s Health (St. Luke’s) is home to eight hospitals, eight emergency centers, Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Radiation & CyberKnife Center, and numerous Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group locations throughout Greater Houston; St. Luke’s Health Memorial (three hospitals and a long-term acute care facility in East Texas); and St. Joseph Health (five hospitals and several St. Joseph Medical Group locations across Brazos Valley). In addition, St. Luke’s flagship hospital, Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in the Texas Medical Center, is a part of a joint venture agreement with Baylor College of Medicine. Together, St. Luke’s and Baylor College of Medicine are transforming healthcare delivery with a mission to usher in a new era of healthcare to create healthier communities. For more information, visit CHITX.org.

About Catholic Health Initiatives

St. Luke’s Health is a part of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI), one of the nation’s largest health systems. Headquartered in Englewood, Colorado, CHI operates in 17 states and comprises 100 hospitals, including three academic health centers and major teaching hospitals; 30 critical-access facilities; community health-services organizations; accredited nursing colleges; home-health agencies; and other facilities and services that span the inpatient and outpatient continuum of care. Learn more at CatholicHealthInitiatives.com.