Endovascular coil embolization

Endovascular coil embolization is becoming a standard treatment option for people with a brain aneurysm.¹ It may be used for people who are at high risk for complications from a surgical repair of the aneurysm.²

Endovascular coil embolization involves packing the aneurysm with a soft platinum coil that fills the stretched and bulging section of blood vessel. This helps seal off the aneurysm and reduces the risk of the aneurysm leaking blood or rupturing. The doctor uses X-rays to identify the aneurysm and to guide the coil through the blood vessel to the aneurysm.

The success of this treatment depends on the size and location of the aneurysm, the skill of the doctor, and the person's general health. Complications include bleeding from the aneurysm or movement of the coils in the blood vessel.

Studies are being done to determine the long-term success of this treatment and how to prevent complications. In cases where endovascular coil embolization is not possible, aneurysm clipping with craniotomy is done.

Citations

1. Molyneux A, et al. (2002). International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT) of neurosurgical clipping versus endovascular coiling in 2,143 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms: A randomised trial. Lancet, 360(9342): 1267–1274.

2. Mayer SA, et al. (2005). Subarachnoid hemorrhage. In LP Rowland, ed., Merritt's Neurology, 11th ed., pp. 328–338. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.