At some point in their lifetime, 5% of people in the United States will suffer an aneurysm. Of them, 20% will experience multiple aneurysms. Fortunately, effective treatment can be achieved through microsurgical clipping. In New Jersey and New York, the neurovascular specialists at IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics are highly experienced in this procedure and invite patients with aneurysms throughout the tri-state area to schedule a consultation.
Aneurysms are spherical bulges in blood vessels caused by weaknesses in the artery walls. These weak points lose their rigidness, allowing blood to stretch the wall and balloon outward. The resulting bulge puts pressure on nearby nervous tissue, restricting its function and causing the following symptoms:
As aneurysms grow, they may also begin to leak or hemorrhage. Very severe aneurysms may also rupture and cause massive bleeding within the brain. When this happens, symptoms intensify and include:
Urgent medical care is necessary to prevent hemorrhage and potential long-term disability or cognitive loss. If you or a loved one may be suffering from an aneurysm, seek specialist care immediately.
Microsurgical clipping was first introduced in 1937 to redirect blood away from the aneurysm, thus preventing a rupture. Since then, medical advances have made this one of the most reliable treatments available. Our surgeons offer it by appointment or as an emergency procedure with the following steps:
1. Doctors administer anesthesia so that the patient will sleep through the procedure.
2. The head is stabilized, clipped, and washed near where the incision must be made.
3. The surgeon makes an incision and then cuts a small window in the skull near the aneurysm.
4. Using advanced imaging technology, the surgeon places a titanium clip on the neck of the aneurysm.
5. The bone flap is replaced and secured, and the incision is gently stitched closed.
If possible, patients should stop taking anti-inflammatory medicines one week before surgery. Patients with an unruptured aneurysm can expect a 24- to 48-hour stay in the hospital, where they’ll gradually increase their activity level while doctors monitor the patient for any changes. Patients with a ruptured aneurysm may stay for two to three weeks before being discharged.
Microsurgical clipping is proven as a highly efficient and effective method for preventing leaks and hemorrhage in an aneurysm, but it’s not ideal for all patients. At IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we perform a series of tests before surgery to determine whether the procedure will be safe and effective for the individual. The final decision depends on the following factors:
Microsurgical clipping is most effective in aneurysms that are easy to access, not bleeding severely, and appear in patients in good health. Older patients and those whose aneurysms have a high chance of rupturing may have better success with endovascular coiling, which our neurovascular specialists have years of experience with as well. To determine the best course of action for you, contact IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics in New Jersey or New York today.