How Coiling for Brain Aneurysms Can Save Your Life

Brain aneurysms are serious medical conditions that can lead to life-threatening complications, including brain aneurysm rupture. Fortunately, advancements in brain aneurysm treatment have made it possible to address these potentially dangerous conditions with less invasive procedures. One such treatment is endovascular coiling for brain aneurysm, which offers a safer alternative to traditional surgical methods, providing quicker recovery and immediate relief.

In this blog, we will discuss what a brain aneurysm is, how aneurysm coiling works, and why it is considered an effective and non-surgical aneurysm treatment.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

A brain aneurysm is a weak spot found in the wall of an artery in the brain; it is a bulge developed due to weakened areas that can expand over time. When the aneurysm ruptures, it produces bleeding into the brain, popularly known as a subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is again a life-threatening condition that needs immediate medical attention at the earliest to prevent strokes, brain damage, or sometimes even death.

As a matter of fact, the higher the size of an aneurysm, the more risky the rupture is; this explains why early detection and treatment are so crucial. Thus, endovascular coiling for a brain aneurysm would mean safe and effective prevention against its rupture or the handling of one that has already occurred.

What is Endovascular Coiling for Brain Aneurysm?

Endovascular coiling is a non-surgical aneurysm treatment used to address both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms. Unlike traditional surgical procedures that involve opening the skull, coiling is a minimally invasive procedure performed by a neuro-interventional radiologist. This technique involves the insertion of small platinum coils into the aneurysm to seal it off, preventing further risk of rupture.

The Aneurysm Coiling Procedure is highly effective, especially when performed soon after an aneurysm rupture and is a good preventive measure for unruptured aneurysms that are at risk of rupturing.

How is Endovascular Coiling Performed?

Endovascular coiling for a brain aneurysm is performed through a minimally invasive technique. Here's how the procedure works:

• Preparation: The patient is sedated, and a smallish incision is made in the groin area to access the femoral artery.
• Catheter Insertion: A catheter is carefully threaded through the artery and up to the brain under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.
• Microcatheter and Coil Insertion: A microcatheter is inserted through the initial catheter and advanced to the aneurysm. A tiny coil is then inserted into the aneurysm using an electric current to detach it from the microcatheter.
• Coil Deployment: The coil, typically made of soft platinum metal, is left inside the aneurysm to seal it off. Multiple coils may be utilised depending on the size and shape of the aneurysm.
• Sealing the Aneurysm: The coils prevent blood from entering the aneurysm, and over time, the body absorbs the aneurysm, reducing the risk of rupture.

This procedure is highly effective, with a success rate that has improved significantly over the years thanks to advancements in technology and techniques.

Who is a Candidate for Endovascular Coiling?

Endovascular coiling can be used to treat both ruptured and unruptured brain aneurysms. Here’s how the procedure can help:

• Ruptured Aneurysms: When an aneurysm bursts, it causes bleeding in the brain, leading to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. The timing of treatment is critical in these cases, as quick intervention greatly improves the chances of a successful outcome. Endovascular coiling is one of the first-line treatments for ruptured aneurysms because it is minimally invasive and can be done even in high-risk patients.
• Unruptured Aneurysms: Many unruptured aneurysms don’t show symptoms and are discovered incidentally during imaging tests. In cases where the aneurysm is large, growing, or located in a high-risk area, aneurysm coiling may be recommended as a preventive measure to lessen the risk of rupture in the future.

The best treatment option relies on various factors, like the size, location, and shape of the aneurysm, as well as the patient's overall health.

Benefits of Endovascular Coiling for Brain Aneurysm

• Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional open surgery, endovascular coiling involves only a small incision, significantly reducing recovery time and risks associated with large surgical procedures.
• Quicker Recovery: Patients generally experience a more rapid recovery with non-surgical aneurysm treatment, like coiling, compared to traditional surgery. Most patients resume routine activities in just a few days.
• Effective for Ruptured and Unruptured Aneurysms: Endovascular coiling is effective in treating both types of aneurysms, making it a versatile treatment option.
• Lower Risk of Complications: As a minimally invasive procedure, coiling carries a lower risk of infection and other complications compared to open surgery.

Wrap-Up

For patients diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, endovascular coiling is a potentially life-saving treatment with minimal risk, fewer complications, and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery. Whether the aneurysm has already ruptured or is at risk of rupturing, aneurysm coiling is a proven effective method for the treatment and prevention of further complications. If you are looking for a specialist to treat your brain aneurysm or would like to discuss non-surgical aneurysm treatment options, you should seek a neuro-interventional radiologist.

Start Your Journey to Better Health with Dr Akhil Monga

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, do not wait. Timely treatment will prevent complications such as the rupture of a brain aneurysm. Dr Akhil Monga is a highly experienced neuro-interventional radiologist with special experience in performing Aneurysm Coiling Procedures and other advanced brain aneurysm treatments. Book an appointment with him and experience a personalised approach and state-of-the-art techniques, assurance of getting the best care.