The Brain Aneurysm Foundation >> Treatment

Endovascular Embolization or Coiling

Endovascular (meaning within the blood vessel) embolization, or coiling, uses the natural access to the brain through the bloodstream via arteries to diagnosis and treat brain aneurysms. The goal of the treatment is to safely seal off the aneurysm and stop further blood from entering into the aneurysm and increasing the risk of rupture or possibly rebleeding.

Endovascular treatment of aneurysms is a relatively new phenonmenon, originating in the 1980's. Dr. Guido Guglielmi, an Italian doctor, and several other researchers, were the visionaries behind the GDG (Guglielmi Detachable Coils) system, or coiling procedure. With the advent of this remarkable new treatment, some patients who were told they had inoperable aneurysms were now given hope and chance for survival. Other patients, because of advanced age, serious medical problems or other factors, could not undergo open brain surgery, so the GDC system became the alternative to their treatment.

In this Section:

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

Treatment Description

			A small incision is made over the artery and a needle is used to puncture the blood vessel. A sheath (hollow thin tube) is then placed in the artery, which provides constant access to the artery. This catheter sheath usually remains in the artery for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, so that further interventions can be performed, if necessary. Using a catheter (hollow plastic tube) over a guiding wire, the artery leading to the aneurysm is selected. The wire is removed and the catheter is used to inject a contrast dye into the blood stream in order to visualize the normal blood vessels as well as delineate the aneurysm.
			The entire process is done using continual x-ray visualization and high-speed radiographic filming techniques. The doctor takes measurements and views of the aneurysm. Once the angiogram has detected the presence, size, and location of the aneurysm, a smaller "microcatheter" is then placed inside the initial catheter. Once the microcatheter is successfully navigated into the aneurysm opening, the coil system is introduced.
			Platinum coils are deposited into the aneurysm, reducing or blocking the flow of blood into the aneurysm. Once placed inside the aneurysm, a small electrical current is passed through the wire. As a result of this electrolysis, the coil detaches from the wire and remains inside the aneurysm. The wire is removed. It may take several coils to obliterate the aneurysm. After aneurysm packing, the catheter systems are removed and the patient is transferred to the intensive care unit for monitoring and further care.