Aneurysm Clipping Surgery, Recovery, and Complications

At UPMC, Microsurgical clipping for the treatment of aneurysms has demonstrated excellent durability and results and also has seen many modern advancements for treating brain aneurysms, such as the use of:

• High-tech microscopes
• Live-imaging feeds of blood vessels
• A broad array of clip configurations

Our neurosurgical team also uses advanced monitoring that allows them to detect any damage and to correct the problem before it becomes permanent.

These advancements in aneurysm clipping have allowed for improved patient outcomes at UPMC.

Aneurysm Clipping Surgery: What to Expect

Aneurysm clipping consists of a neurosurgeon:

• Making a small opening in the skull.
• Using a specialized microscope to isolate the blood vessel that feeds the aneurysm.
• Placing a small metal, clothespin-like clip on the aneurysm’s neck, halting its blood supply.

Through the microscope, surgeons can confirm the appropriate blood flow inside of the arteries, as well as determine that blood has stopped flowing to the aneurysm after it is clipped.

The aneurysm clip will remain in your body and prevent future bleeding or rupture.