How are aneurysms treated?

An aneurysm is a weak area in the wall of a blood vessel that causes it to bulge or balloon out. This weakened area can leak blood, leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage or stroke. Aneurysms are frequently treated through one of two methods: clipping or coiling.

Aneurysm coiling is a procedure that uses thin metal wires that coil up into a ball, allowing blood clots to form around the aneurysm and protect it from breaking open. Aneurysm clipping is a procedure that uses metal clips at the base of an aneurysm to prevent it from breaking open. Patients who receive one of these treatments generally recover in the hospital for 4-6 days following the procedure.