Naoki Kaneko, MD, Ph.D.

Naoki Kaneko, M.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Division of Interventional Neuroradiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Interventional Translational Research Laboratory. As a neurointerventionalist, Dr. Kaneko treats patients with brain aneurysms and leads a translational research program focused on developing next-generation neurovascular devices using patient-specific 3D-printed aneurysm models. His work bridges the angiography suite and the laboratory, with the goal of translating unmet clinical needs into safer and more effective treatments for complex aneurysms.

Naoki was born and raised in Japan. He earned his medical degree from Tohoku University School of Medicine in 2004 and later completed his Ph.D. at the same institution in 2014. Dr. Kaneko completed his clinical training in neurosurgery and neuroendovascular therapy at Tohoku University and Jichi Medical University. From 2010 to 2012, he served as a research fellow at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he investigated the molecular mechanisms of neuronal injury following stroke. In 2016, he joined the Division of Interventional Neuroradiology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, where he combines clinical practice with translational research and neurovascular device development. He currently serves as Director of the Interventional Translational Research Laboratory (ITRL), leading multidisciplinary teams of clinicians, researchers, and engineers in the design and evaluation of next-generation neurovascular technologies.

What led you to become involved with brain aneurysm research?
I come from a family with a history of cerebrovascular disease, including a relative who died suddenly from a ruptured brain aneurysm. That experience motivated me to pursue a career as a neuroendovascular physician. Although current devices have made most brain aneurysms treatable, some aneurysms remain a persistent challenge, including giant aneurysms involving multiple branch arteries. My research aims to close this gap through the development of new devices and techniques.

In the simplest terms, what is the purpose of your project?
This project is testing a new device that could improve treatment for giant brain aneurysmslocated where blood vessels branch. These aneurysms are difficult to treat because doctors must close off the aneurysm while preserving blood flow to nearby arteries. Researchers will use realistic aneurysm models to find the best way to use the device, with the goal of developing a safer, longer-lasting treatment option for patients with these complex aneurysms.

In the simplest terms, what do you hope will change through your research findings?
We hope this research will help make complex giant bifurcation aneurysms safer and more treatable.

Why is the funding you are receiving through the Brain Aneurysm Foundation so important?
This funding from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation is very important because it allows us to generate the critical evidence needed to bring this technology closer to patients who still need better treatment options.