A medical team at an East Lancashire hospital have hit a major milestone in a revolutionary procedure.

Royal Blackburn Hospital's radiology team has completed its 500th endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm, a significant milestone.

The procedure strengthens the aorta and significantly reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture, and has come almost 25 years after the life-saving technique was first performed.

The achievement strengthens Royal Blackburn's standing in pioneering the treatment; and it was a full circle moment as Dr Duncan Gavan, consultant interventional radiologist, performed both the first and 500th procedure.

He said: "I am honoured to have been involved in implementing this initiative and also performing its 500th procedure.

"The Interventional Radiology Team is at the forefront of numerous innovative techniques, and the endovascular repair of an aortic aneurysm (EVAR) demonstrates the strong teamwork between vascular surgeons and anaesthetists.

“This technique enables the procedure to be carried out via a couple of tiny incisions and reduces the need for anaesthetic, which means we can offer it to patients who would not be suitable for more invasive surgery.”

Over the 25 years since the first procedure, advancements in medical technology have seen its duration cut from three hours to just 70 minutes.

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the body's main artery, the aorta. The EVAR involves inserting a small, flexible tube into the aorta to strengthen it and lower the risk of rupture.

Interventional radiologists assist in providing these vital life-saving treatments by using real-time imaging techniques, including X-rays and ultrasound, to guide the operator.

Dr Gavan added: "This accomplishment demonstrates the team's dedication to continuously developing treatments to achieve the best outcomes for our patients."