Brain aneurysm is a serious medical condition that can lead to bleeding in the brain, stroke, or even death. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in the treatment of brain aneurysms.

Contemporary approaches to brain aneurysm repair have become more sophisticated, safe, and effective. In this article, we will discuss some of the latest treatment options that are now available for brain aneurysm repair.

Surgical Clipping

Surgical clipping is one of the oldest techniques used for treating brain aneurysm. This procedure involves making a small incision in the patient’s skull and using a metal clip to close off the aneurysm.

The clip is placed across the neck of the aneurysm, preventing it from filling with blood and rupturing. This procedure is highly effective, with a success rate of around 90%. However, it can be associated with some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding brain tissue.

Endovascular Coiling

Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a small tube, called a catheter, into an artery in the groin and guiding it up to the aneurysm.

A tiny coil is then passed through the catheter and into the aneurysm, filling it up and sealing it off from the rest of the artery. This procedure is less invasive than surgical clipping, and the patient usually recovers more quickly. The success rate for endovascular coiling is also quite high, at around 80-90%.

However, this procedure is associated with a higher risk of aneurysm recurrence than surgical clipping.

Flow Diverters

Flow diverters are a new class of devices that are used to treat large and complex brain aneurysms that are not suitable for clipping or coiling. These devices are made of a fine mesh that is inserted into the artery at the site of the aneurysm.

The mesh acts as a scaffold, allowing the artery wall to grow over it and effectively sealing off the aneurysm. Flow diverters are highly effective, with a success rate of around 80-90%. However, they can be associated with some risks, such as blood clots or damage to surrounding brain tissue.

Blood Flow Modulation

Blood flow modulation is another new approach to brain aneurysm repair that is currently under development.

This technique involves altering the blood flow to the aneurysm, either by increasing or decreasing it, in order to promote healing and prevent rupture. The most common method being studied is called hemodynamic redirection, which involves placing a small stent across the neck of the aneurysm to alter the blood flow through it.

This technique is still in the experimental stage, but early results are promising.

Staged Endovascular and Surgical Treatment for Brain Aneurysms

Staged endovascular and surgical treatment is a newer approach that involves combining endovascular coiling and surgical clipping. This treatment is particularly useful for large or complex aneurysms that cannot be treated with a single technique.

The procedure involves first administering a temporary flow-diverting stent to redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm, followed by placement of a coil to further occlude the aneurysm. Finally, the surgeon will clip the aneurysm to secure its closure more permanently. This approach has been shown to be highly effective, with a success rate of around 95%.

Wrap Up

Brain aneurysm repair has come a long way in recent years, with a range of contemporary approaches now available that offer highly effective options for the treatment of this serious condition.

By working closely with your doctor, you can determine which approach is best for your individual case, taking into account the severity of your aneurysm, your medical history, and your personal preferences. The goal of all of these approaches is to provide safe and effective treatment that promotes healing and improves outcomes.