Brain Aneurysm

Surgical Clipping
One or more clips is placed on the neck of the aneurysm to cut off blood flow (Figure 2). The clip remains in the patient permanently. Aneurysms that are completely clipped rarely recur.

Figure 2
A clipped aneurysm

Endovascular Embolisation
A minimally invasive procedure involving guiding a small, soft plastic tube (microcatheter) into the aneurysm. Platinum coils are inserted through the microcatheter into the aneurysm, inducing clot formation within the aneurysm (Figure 3). Regular follow-up post-procedure is required as there is a low potential risk of aneurysm recurrence.

Figure 3
An aneurysm coil

Both methods help prevent future rupture or re-bleeding.

The prognosis is dependent on the patient's age and health, severity of bleeding and re-bleeding. Recovery may take weeks to months.

Patients with very small aneurysms may be monitored. For aneurysms which have yet to rupture, the neurosurgeon will consider the type, size and location of the aneurysm, patient’s age and health condition, family history and risks of treatment. Patients who receive treatment for an unruptured aneurysm generally recover more quickly.