Aneurysm

An aneurysm (or aneurism) (from Greek ανευρυσμα, a dilatation) is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel. Aneurysms most commonly occur in the arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart) - this is an aortic aneurysm.

Treatment of brain aneurysms

Previously, a relatively complex surgical intervention (i.e. invasive surgery) was required in order to eliminate the potential risk of a brain aneurysm. In this operation, called clipping, a trepanation was performed, and afterwards a titanium clip was affixed around the aneurysm's neck. This operation, carrying a very high risk of infection or death of brain tissue, was associated with a low patient survival rate.

Related Topics:
Invasive surgery - Clipping - Trepanation

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A new method associated with a higher survival rate is now used, currently more common in Europe than in the United States. In this type of non-invasive intervention, a catheter carrying a very thin platinum coil (named GDC for Guglielmi Detachable Coil) is inserted through the artery of the patient's groin (the common femoral artery). Later, using an angiogram as guidance, the catheter is moved through the artery up into the affected area of the brain. The aneurysm sac is then fitted with the GDC.

Related Topics:
Catheter - Guglielmi Detachable Coil - Angiogram

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It usually takes less than three days for the aneurysm to become occluded, or blocked with embolized blood, thereby preventing potential or further bleedings. After this period, however, there is still a risk of re-bleeding.

Related Topics:
Occluded - Embolized

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Not every type of aneurysm can be treated with the described method. For example, certain wide-necked and inaccessible aneurysms currently still require surgical intervention, even though new methods (that use a type of stent) are already being studied and tested.

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