Aneurysm Repair – Brain

Aneurysms within the brain may sometimes be repaired without surgery using minimally invasive techinques. Through a small puncture in the leg artery, special tools such as tiny coils or stents are advanced under X-ray guidance into the brain.

 

Typical Experience

  • The procedure will be performed in the interventional suite, and you will be placed under general anesthesia at the time of the procedure. The procedure is done through a 1mm incision in the groin and usually involves little pain. You will recover in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and will spend the night in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most patients are discharged the next morning although this depends on your condition.
  • After you are discharged, most patients are instructed to perform only light activity for about 3 days, although this may vary on your condition and artery treated.
  • As with any major procedure, minor or major complications are possible. Above is simply a brief description of a typical experience, and a full explanation of the procedure and its risks will be provided when you visit your doctor before the procedure.

 

How to Prepare

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before procedure, except for sips of water with your usual medications.
  • Bring your medications and anything you need to stay overnight.
  • Please take your usual medications unless told otherwise. It is OK to take your Aspirin and Plavix medication the night before and the morning of your procedure.
  • Report to Jonsson Admitting (first floor of Jonsson building) in the morning at the time given to you by our office.
  • Plan to have somebody else drive you home the next day at the time of discharge.
  • If you are allergic to X-ray dye (contrast material), please inform our office days in advance and make certain you obtain and take the prescribed pre-medications (Methylprednisolone [prescription] and Benadryl [OTC]).

 


Resources

For more details about this procedure and its possible risks, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 214-827-1600. You may also refer to the following discussions:

Aneurysms – Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery

Endovascular Embolization – Medline Plus

Endovascular Embolization or Coiling – Joe Niekro Foundation

Educational Resources – Brain Aneurysm Foundation