The procedure is performed under anesthesia in an angiography equipment (which generates X-rays).
One or two guide-catheters are inserted through the femoral artery in the groin and, then, guided through the aorta artery to the head, where they will provide access for the selective catheterization of the cerebral arteries.
A microcatheter (guided by a micro guidewire), which goes through this guide-catheter, is positioned in the aneurysm sac.
Then, platinum metal coils (“springs”) are placed into the aneurysm as to prevent the circulation of blood in it. The packed coils and the blood clot effectively prevent blood from entering the aneurysm, essentially eliminating the risk of the aneurysm rupturing, since it is excluded from blood circulation.
After the procedure, the patient must remain at rest and is kept in the intensive care unit. Recovery is usually brief and the patient may even be discharged from hospital on the next day.
Endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysm:
