Aneurysm Coiling vs. Clipping: Which One is Right for You?

It can be very disheartening when one is getting treatment for a brain aneurysm surgery​, especially when accompanied by the barrage of medical terminology and treatment options. Two popularly considered treatments for an aneurysm are aneurysm coiling and clipping. Both methods prevent the rupture of an aneurysm; they merely have different approaches in doing so.

So how does one then go about deciding which way to turn? In simple words, it should be analyzed so that these contrasts can be fully comprehended with respect to what makes sense for you.

What are brain aneurysm surgery?

A Brain Aneurysm is a weak zone or bulging zone in the walls of a blood vessel in the brain. Imagine a bubble growing on a weak area of a water pipe. Gradually the bulges develop, and if a brain bleed occurs (called a hemorrhagic stroke) from its rupture, then God help the patient.

Signs and Symptoms of a Ruptured Aneurysm include:

– Severe headaches, commonly called “the worst headache of my life.”
– Blurred or double vision.
– Loss of consciousness.
– Weakness or paralysis in one side of the body.
– Seizures or confusion.

A true medical emergency. That’s why a condition must be treated before rupture.

What Is Aneurysm Coiling?

A procedure known as endovascular coiling is used for filling the aneurysm with a very small platinum coil. It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not have any cutting or damaging action on the person’s system.

How Do They Make Coiling Work?

 Catheter insertion: A small tube (a catheter) is inserted through the groin or wrist that guides a path through the blood vessels to the aneurysm in the brain.
Coil placement: Soft platinum coils are inserted inside the aneurysm. These coils fill the bulging area and stop blood from entering.
Blood clot formation: The coils stimulate blood clotting that closes the aneurysm.
Final check: The doctor ensures the coils lay securely using imaging.

Benefits of Coiling

No open surgery: The other great advantage is that there is just a little incision in one of either the groin or the wrist.
Quicker recovery: Patients will go home after a few days.
Less risk of infection: there is no skull opening.
Recommended for older people and less fit for major surgery.

Risks of Coiling:

The aneurysm might reopen, on rare occasions where coils did not close it completely.
May require follow-up procedures: Some patients may require further coiling at a later date.

What Is Aneurysm Clipping?

A small metal clip is placed on the base of the brain aneurysm surgery to permanently shut blood flow. This process is known as aneurysm clipping.

How Clipping Works:

1. Opening the Skull: The scalp is incised by the surgeon to remove a small portion of the skull (craniotomy) to afford entry into the brain.
2. Locating the Aneurysm: The doctor carefully locates the aneurysm under the microscope.

3. Place the clip-at the base of the aneurysm it will be blocked with placement by a tiny metallic clip.

4. Closing of the skull piece back into place and the incision is then closed again.

Benefits of clipping

Permanent solution-the aneurysm is occluded entirely.
Less chance of recurrence. Once clipped, indeed, the aneurysm is not likely to reopen again.
More appropriate for large complicated aneurysms, which of coiling cannot be treated.

Disadvantages of Clipping

Open brain surgery-it will be craniotomy, so this needs a longer recovery.
Higher infection, stroke, or another complication than coiling.
These may require weeks to months for complete healing-Long period of stay and recovery time in hospitals.

Which One is Right for You?

This will depend on different factors on the best treatment possible:

1. Size and shape of the aneurysm
-Small or medium aneurysm?→ Best recommended is coiling.
-Large or wide neck aneurism?→ The probably better option is clipping.

2. Location of the Aneurysm
-Deep inside the brain?→ Coiling is preferred since it avoids open surgery.
-If the area is easily accessible for an operation: →Clipping might be more efficient.

3. The patient’s age and health
-Older adults or high-risk patients → Given its safety, coiling is a better option.
-Young, vigorous patients→Clipping would be the better long-range solution.

4. Has the Aneurysm Already Ruptured?
-For ruptured aneurysms, coiling will usually be the first choice since it is faster and safer in emergencies.
-This will be reconsidered for clipping if coiling eventually proves too difficult to perform.

The Last Word: Coiling vs. Clipping- Make the Right Decision

Both coiling and clipping of an aneurysm are effective for saving lives and are fatal brain bleeding-preventive measures; however, they come with their own pros and cons.

– Coiling is a treatment typified by faster recovery times after less invasive procedures.
– Clipping is for those who need a permanent solution for a larger or more complex aneurysm.

Your doctor will be the one to help you decide under considerations such as your aneurysm’s size, shape, and location as well as your overall health. Once you or a loved one receives a diagnosis of brain aneurysm surgery, consult with a qualified Neurointerventional Radiology or neurosurgeon for finding the best treatment alternative.

What Really Matters? Get treated earlier! Incurable but the treatment has already saved many lives since then at the onset of an aneurysm.