Aneurysm Coiling
An aneurysm coil is a device inserted via catheter to fill in a brain aneurysm — a bulge in a blood vessel. A coil can stop a ruptured aneurysm from continuing to bleed, or prevent an unruptured aneurysm from bleeding. For many patients, this much less invasive alternative to open surgery produces better outcomes with much faster recovery.
A coil implantation system consists of a soft platinum coil soldered to a stainless steel delivery wire. To treat an aneurysm, the surgeon first places a microcatheter into the interior space of the aneurysm. Once the catheter is properly positioned, a coil is navigated through the catheter and into the aneurysm.
When the coil is properly positioned, a mild electrical current (about 1/10,000th of the current required to run a hair dryer from a home outlet) is applied to the delivery wire. The current separates the stainless steel delivery wire near the platinum coil. Then, the delivery wire can be removed, leaving the coil in place. This process is repeated until the aneurysm is densely packed.
The medically appropriate uses for a detachable coil continue to expand. Decisions concerning the use of aneurysm coiling are made on a case-by-case basis, and factor in the patient’s age and medical condition, as well as the aneurysm’s geometry and location.
MINC is one of the busiest centers in the world for aneurysm coiling, performing more than 180 cases annually.
To learn more about aneurysm coiling treatments at MINC, or to request a consultation, go to appointments & referrals.