Re: Sub-arachnoid hemmorhage/cluster headaches

Posted By CCF Neurosurgery MD /gm on June 01, 1998 at 23:47:22:

In Reply to: Sub-arachnoid hemmorhage/cluster headaches posted by shari on May 31, 1998 at 22:51:21:







Dear Shari:
Clipping an aneurysm which is the standard procedure for aneurysm repair,
involves making a bony window in the skull and dissecting the blood vessels,
at the base of the brain where an aneurysm is located. Once the aneurysm
is identified, a metal clip is placed across the neck of the aneurysm to
bring the two edges of the aneurysmal balloon together.
In some instances, aneurysms are not accessible through standard surgical
techniques. For these aneurysms, a technique called endovascular coiling
may be used. This involves passing a catheter into the blood vessel where
the aneurysm is located. Once the catheter is near the aneurysm, a metal
coil (called a GDC coil) is passed through the catheter, and detached inside
the aneurysm. Using this technique repeatedly, coils are packed into the aneurysm
until the inside of the aneurysm is obliterated and as such decreases the risk
of rupture. Now this technique is not as reliable as clipping but in certain
cases where surgery is difficult, it is very acceptable.
Good Luck!