What is Aneurysm Coiling?

What is a Brain (or cerebral) aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in the brain arteries that bulge and have the potential to rupture. Aneurysms are most frequently detected between the ages of 35 and 60. They are more common in women than men.

How is an aneurysm detected?
Aneurysms may be detected prior to rupturing with imaging studies such as an MR angiogram (MRA), CT angiogram (CTA), or conventional cerebral angiogram. If detected prior to rupturing, they may be treated electively.

A ruptured brain aneurysm frequently causes bleeding into the fluid surrounding the brain (called the subarachnoid space). Half of patients die within thirty days of rupture. Of those patients that survive, half suffer from significant neurological impairment.

How is an aneurysm treated?
Once an aneurysm ruptures, they are almost all treated emergently. If an aneurysm is detected prior to rupturing, it may be treated electively with coiling or surgery. Sometimes aneurysms are left untreated.

Treatment decisions should be made based on discussion with specialists including an interventional neuroradiologist and a neurosurgeon. Surgery involves a neurosurgeon removing a piece of bone from the skull, spreading apart the brain to expose the aneurysm, and placing a metal clip across the neck of the aneurysm. The bone is then replaced. Coiling is an alternative to surgery and is discussed below.

What is coiling of an aneurysm?
Coiling is a less invasive method of treating cerebral aneurysms. A catheter (small plastic tube) is placed in the femoral artery, which is located in the groin region. The catheter is guided to the aneurysm with image guidance (fluoroscopy). Once in the aneurysm, small coils made of platinum are threaded through the catheter into the aneurysm until no space remains. This prevents blood flow from entering the aneurysm and protects it from rupturing in the future. The catheter is removed and a Band-Aid is place over the insertion site in the groin.

What to expect?
Prior to having your unruptured aneurysm treated, you will have a thorough consultation with our Interventional Radiology nurse practitioner and an interventional neuroradiologist. You will also be evaluated by a neurosurgeon. All possible treatment options will be reviewed together. Procedures will be discussed in detail and all of your questions will be answered. If endovascular coiling is the treatment of choice for you, Red Rock Radiology will make the arrangements necessary for you.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. You will stay in the hospital overnight and go home the next day. You may return to normal activity within a few days. You may experience a headache or soreness in the groin after the procedure. Pain medication will be prescribed to keep you comfortable.

Who will be performing my aneurysm coiling?
Your procedure will be performed by a Neuroradiologist.   They are all Fellowship trained in all aspects of Neuro embolizations and are very experienced, with one of the most successful Interventional Neuroradiology practices in the country.

To schedule a consultation, please call the coordinator at 702.304.8135.

For more information on aneurysms contact:

www.brainaneurysm.com

www.asitn.org