Aneurysm Coiling: Minimally Invasive Treatment for Safer Outcomes

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is caused by a weakened artery wall that ultimately forms into  a bulge, blister or sac off the side of the arterial wall.  Patients normally do not have symptoms unless the aneurysm ruptures. Aneurysms can occur at any age, but are more likely in adults over age 25 and are most common between the ages of 30 and 60.

Aneurysms that have ruptured are a life threatening condition with severe symptoms. Aneurysms that have not ruptured often cause no symptoms at all.

Unfortunately, unruptured aneurysms can go undiagnosed for years and then rupture without warning. Unruptured aneurysms are normally asymptomatic, but can cause increased pressure on the brain as they increase in size. Patients may experience headaches around the eye, numbness, tingling and weakness on one side of the face and pupil and vision changes.

Diagnosing an Unruptured Aneurysm

Unruptured aneurysms are often detected on MRI or CT scans of the brain. If a patient is diagnosed with an unruptured aneurysm, a vascular neurosurgeon will determine if there is a high risk of it rupturing based on the age and overall health of the patient, along with the size and location of the aneurysm and the patient’s family history. 

Diagnosing a Ruptured Aneurysm

Ruptured aneurysms are a serious, life-threatening conditions that may result in stroke or death, if not treated promptly at a specialized center. Aneurysms that have already ruptured are quickly assessed by performing a CT scan that can show bleeding in the brain. To determine and fully assess the location, size and shape of an aneurysm, a neurovascular surgeon may perform a minimally invasive procedure called a diagnostic cerebral angiogram.

Aneurysm Coiling – Effectively treating a Ruptured Aneurysm

Aneurysm coiling is a minimally invasive procedure that is performed to prevent an aneurysm from bleeding. The procedure is performed in the catheterization laboratory under general anesthesia. A neurovascular surgeon makes an incision in the patient’s leg and inserts a catheter, guiding it to the site of the brain aneurysm. Metallic platinum coils are then positioned inside the aneurysm to stop blood flow and cause the aneurysm to clot.  This procedure, known as aneurysm coiling, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny catheters to insert small coils directly into the aneurysm and fill it from inside the vessel.

In some cases, an intracranial stent may also be used in aneurysms that are difficult to treat with coils alone. A stent (a flexible mesh tube that looks like a tiny chain-link fence) provides a protective support for the coils.

The length of the procedure is dependent on the complexity of the aneurysm and whether or not stents are needed. Patients usually go home the following day in most cases. 

The physicians and neurosurgeons at New Jersey Brain and Spine are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating patients with brain aneurysms. We are dedicated to providing the most compassionate and innovative treatment for the best possible outcomes. For more information, or to schedule an appointment contact us today.