Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., Explains What Goes When Repairing a Brain Aneurysm
Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., mentions that there are many methods a surgeon can use to repair a brain aneurysm. The procedure the surgeon uses to treat an aneurysm depends on several factors, including the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm.
Here are the two most common procedures for fixing a brain aneurysm:
1. Clipping
The purpose of clipping is to exclude the aneurysm from circulation without causing blockage to the surrounding small arteries. The procedure involves the neurosurgeon making an opening into the scalp—called a craniotomy—under general anesthesia. The brain is then very gently pulled back to determine the location of the aneurysm.
Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., explains that a small clip is placed along the neck or base of the aneurysm to keep the blood flow from getting in. The clip is like a tiny clothespin that remains tightly closed until pressure is applied to both blades. The clips are titanium-made and designed to stay on the artery permanently.
2. Endovascular repair
Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require an incision to be made into the skull. This technique was first used to treat patients in 1991, making it a fairly recent innovation.
During an endovascular repair, a catheter containing a microcatheter—where the platinum coil is attached—is delivered through the groin into the artery where the aneurysm is. Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., shares that the process is guided by a special kind of x-ray called fluoroscopy.
Upon reaching and inserting itself into the aneurysm, the coil separates by way of an electric current and permanently seals the aneurysm’s opening. The number of coils deployed to seal off the aneurysm depends on the aneurysm’s size.
To treat or not to treat?
Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., concludes that, like most surgeries, there are risks involved in either of the procedures. However, the risk of not undergoing a brain aneurysm repair far outweighs that of going ahead with the procedure.
Here are the two most common procedures for fixing a brain aneurysm:
1. Clipping
The purpose of clipping is to exclude the aneurysm from circulation without causing blockage to the surrounding small arteries. The procedure involves the neurosurgeon making an opening into the scalp—called a craniotomy—under general anesthesia. The brain is then very gently pulled back to determine the location of the aneurysm.
Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., explains that a small clip is placed along the neck or base of the aneurysm to keep the blood flow from getting in. The clip is like a tiny clothespin that remains tightly closed until pressure is applied to both blades. The clips are titanium-made and designed to stay on the artery permanently.
2. Endovascular repair
Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require an incision to be made into the skull. This technique was first used to treat patients in 1991, making it a fairly recent innovation.
During an endovascular repair, a catheter containing a microcatheter—where the platinum coil is attached—is delivered through the groin into the artery where the aneurysm is. Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., shares that the process is guided by a special kind of x-ray called fluoroscopy.
Upon reaching and inserting itself into the aneurysm, the coil separates by way of an electric current and permanently seals the aneurysm’s opening. The number of coils deployed to seal off the aneurysm depends on the aneurysm’s size.
To treat or not to treat?
Mark Swaim MD, Ph.D., concludes that, like most surgeries, there are risks involved in either of the procedures. However, the risk of not undergoing a brain aneurysm repair far outweighs that of going ahead with the procedure.
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