Aneurysm clipping also known as microvascular clipping, is used primarily to treat aneurysms. It aims to block the blood supply to an aneurysm. An aneurysm clipping cannot fix already damaged areas of the brain but will stop further damage from bleeding and reduces risk of the aneurysm rupturing. Not everyone with an aneurysms requires surgery. Your neurosurgeon will complete a thorough assessment including, risk of rupture, symptoms and location of aneurysm to determine if surgery is the best treatment for you.
The Procedure
- The patient is given general anesthesia and a breathing tube.
- The neurosurgeon performs a craniotomy (opening into the skull) to access the aneurysm.
- Once identified the aneurysm is then carefully separated from the surrounding brain tissue and a clip is placed around the base of the aneurysm. This clip closes tightly around the aneurysm blocking its primary blood supply.
Following the procedure patients will go to ICU for observation and then be transferred to the floor/ward. On average patients stay in hospital for 3-4 days.
As with all procedures there is a certain level of risk. Your neurosurgeon and our staff will discuss with you all the risks and benefits of the procedure prior to your surgery.
References: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, National Institute of Neurological Disease and Stroke, National Institute of Health, Barrow Neurological Institute.
