Aneurysm Coiling

What is a brain aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm, also known as a cerebral aneurysm, is an abnormal outpouching of a blood vessel in the brain, causing what looks like a sac off of the main blood vessel. Most people with a brain aneurysm may not realize they have the condition unless the dilated blood vessel presses on a nerve or ruptures — a life-threatening situation.

When a brain aneurysm ruptures, people experience the worst headache of their life. They may also have nausea and vomiting or loss of consciousness. 

Non-symptomatic brain aneurysms are often found accidentally during a workup for other conditions, such as migraines, eye problems, or following an accident. 

Traditionally, neurosurgeons treat a brain aneurysm by applying a clip at the base of the dilated blood vessel, separating it from the blood vessel feeding it. This procedure prevents the aneurysm from getting bigger and rupturing but requires a large incision through the skull.

With advances in surgical tools and techniques, Dr. Young at Inland Neurosurgery Institute performs aneurysm coiling, a minimally invasive technique, to treat the ballooning blood vessel.

What is aneurysm coiling?

Aneurysm coiling is a type of endovascular surgery Dr. Young performs to stop blood flow that feeds your brain aneurysm. 

Instead of making an incision to gain access to the enlarged blood vessel, Dr. Young uses a catheter he threads through your artery until it reaches the blood vessel of concern.

Dr. Young uses a stent — a tiny surgical mesh tube — to block the blood flow into the brain aneurysm.  

How long is recovery following aneurysm coiling?

Though aneurysm coiling is a minimally invasive surgical technique, you can expect to spend the night at the neurointensive care unit following your procedure. Most patients are back to their usual activities within two days. 

Dr. Young provides specific instructions regarding your post-surgical care, including activity modifications. 

Am I a candidate for aneurysm coiling?

At Inland Neurosurgery Institute, Dr. Young determines if you’re a candidate for aneurysm coiling after an evaluation. He may perform the procedure if you have an unruptured brain aneurysm. 

However, he also does the procedure to treat ruptured brain aneurysms in patients unable to undergo the traditional open surgical procedure. 

Inland Neurosurgery Institute uses groundbreaking tools and technology to treat neurological conditions. To schedule a consultation to see how aneurysm coiling may help you or your loved one, call the office or request an appointment online today.