A recent international study led by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and other institutions offers real-world results on the use of a novel device for treating brain aneurysms, or balloon-like bulges on weakened blood vessels that can rupture to cause life-threatening bleeding.

The study, which is published in Stroke, involved the use of the Woven Endobridge (WEB) device. This device consists of a tiny mesh plug that can be inserted through a vessel and placed into an aneurysm to block, or occlude, blood from going into the bulging region — thereby stabilizing the vessel and preventing the aneurysm from rupturing. The device can also be used to stabilize previously ruptured aneurysms.