A brain aneurysm is a weak spot of a blood vessel in the brain seen as an abnormal bulge. Brain aneurysms can leak or rupture, resulting in a brain bleed (hemorrhage) which can result in severe, permanent disability and/or death. A ruptured aneurysm is considered a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, nausea and vomiting, neck pain, blurred vision or loss of consciousness.
Endovascular Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure to treat brain aneurysms. The Neurointerventional Radiologist feeds a soft, flexible tube called a catheter into the brain aneurysm via a small hole made in an artery in the groin. Embolization of the aneurysm is then accomplished by various techniques, including the placement of platinum coils inside the aneurysm, thereby blocking blood flow to the aneurysm, or placement of a flow diverting device (Pipeline Device) across the aneurysm in order to direct blood flow away from the aneurysm.
These techniques are performed under general anesthesia and take just a few hours.
Endovascular Embolization can be used to treat both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms. The decision to treat an unruptured brain aneurysm that is not causing symptoms is based on many factors, including the size, shape and location of the aneurysm, your overall health and your family history.