Brain Aneurysm Treatment
The treatment of an aneurysm is often determined by its size. Traditional surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon, however, the patient may also have the option to select endovascular treatment or “coiling,” a less invasive option with fewer risks.
As in other endovascular treatments of conditions such as stroke or angioplasty, a catheter is inserted in the groin area and threaded through the vessels to the site of the aneurysm. Detachable platinum coils are then dispensed through the catheter and placed carefully inside the aneurysm. The number of coils used depends on the size of the aneurysm.
As an aneurysm is really a “ballooning” in a weakened area of a vessel wall, the goal of “coiling” is to pack the aneurysm tightly to close off blood flow into the aneurysm thereby preventing its rupture. Occasionally, it is necessary to add more coils at a later time to complete treatment.
Certain aneurysms may be treated by blocking the artery from which the aneurysm arises using coils or detachable balloons. Additional new methods of aneurysm treatment are in development.
Hospitalization time varies from patient to patient. A 1 or 2-day hospitalization may be possible for certain patients who have not had a hemorrhage, but patients who have had a recent brain hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm may expect to be hospitalized at least 10-14 days minimum. A follow-up x-ray, MR scan, or an angiogram may be performed to evaluate the position of the coils.
Patients may be placed on a blood thinner such as aspirin after the procedure, which may be continued after discharge.