The Brain Aneurysm Foundation >> Treatment

Clipping

Clipping is still the most common surgical treatment for brain aneurysms. It is an effective, well researched surgical procedure with excellent results.

The patient is put under general anesthesia, and then prepped for surgery. The head is stabilized to make sure it does not move during the surgical procedure. Depending upon where the aneurysm is, an incision is typically made behind the hairline or on the back of the head. Next, a section of bone, or bone plate, is removed from the skull. The surgeon approaches the aneurysm in the cleft between the skull and the brain and not through brain tissue. Under a microscope, the aneurysm is then carefully separated from the normal blood vessels and brain.

In this Section:

Treatment Options
•	Clipping
•	Occlusion and Bypass
•	Endovascular Embolization or Coiling
•	Risks & Complications

The aneurysm is then completely obliterated with a tiny metal clip, something like a tiny clothespin. This keeps blood from entering the aneurysm. As a result, future bleeding is prevented and nearby brain tissue is protected from further damage. The bone plate is then wired securely into place and the wound is closed.