Treatment for a brain aneurysm may seem challenging at first, but you should try not to let that stop you. In this informative guide, you’ll get the chance to find out everything there is to know about aneurysm clipping surgery.
An aneurysm is a balloon-like bulging in the wall of an artery, and clipping is a surgical procedure used to repair it. Growing aneurysm has a greater risk of leaking or bursting, discharging blood into the brain’s surrounding areas.
Small clip is placed across the aneurysm’s neck by a neurosurgeon during a craniotomy in order to halt or prevent bleeding.
The most common places for aneurysms to form are in the brain’s blood arteries and in the aorta, the major artery that runs the length of the trunk from the heart.
When an aneurysm bursts, it can cause deadly internal bleeding. Within minutes, you may be dead.
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm is a bulge or bulge in the wall of an artery or vein that is not normal. A weak area in the wall of a blood artery gives way to expansion under the pressure of the circulatory system. Aneurysms commonly form at the ‘fork’ in a blood artery, which is structurally weaker than the rest of the channel.
Aneurysm clip procedure: Step-by-step guide
This Aneurysm clip procedure: Step-by-step guide will help you understand aneurysm clipping from preparation to healing. Let’s explore the details of this life saving surgery.
Understanding Aneurysm Cliping Procedure
Surgical clipping stops blood flow to an aneurysm without blocking perforating arteries. A craniotomy is a general anesthesia-induced skull cut. A little part of the brain is gently removed to discover the aneurysm. A small clip across the aneurysm neck stops blood flow. Like a little clothespin with a coil spring, the clip’s blades stay closed until you apply pressure to them. Arterial clips are titanium and implanted for life.
Aneurysms come in all shapes and sizes. Secular aneurysms are balloon-like growths in the wall of an artery, with a neck at their point of origin and a dome that can expand and grow. These are the most convenient for clipping. Some aneurysms have a broad neck, while others are fusiform, with no clear neck.
Clipping over them is difficult. In the Aneurysm clipping procedure, different types of aneurysm necks require different clip sizes, shapes, and lengths.
Preparing for Aneurysm Clipping Surgery: Before Surgery Preparation
Preparation plays a vital role in ensuring a successful aneurysm clipping surgery. So follow these steps.
Emergency Room (Ruptured Aneurysm)
-> Immediate operating room transfer after locating the aneurysm and stabilizing blood pressure.
-> Medication, hyperventilation, or sedation to lower blood pressure.
-> Insertion of an arterial pressure line for blood pressure monitoring.
-> Restricted visits to maintain a calm environment.
Unruptured Aneurysm
-> Completion of paperwork and consent forms, providing medical history details.
-> Presurgical tests (blood test, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray) are done a few days before surgery.
-> Consultation with primary care physician regarding medication adjustments and surgical clearance.
Medication and Lifestyle Adjustments
-> Discontinue non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and blood thinners (Coumadin, aspirin) 7 days before surgery.
-> Avoid nicotine and alcohol intake 1 week before surgery and 2 weeks after to prevent complications.
Skin and Hair Preparation
-> Wash skin and hair with Hibiclens (CHG) or Dial soap before surgery to reduce surgical site infections.
-> Take care to avoid contact with eyes, ears, nose, or genital areas.
Fasting
-> Do not eat or drink anything after midnight before surgery unless instructed otherwise by the hospital.
-> Permitted medications can be taken with a small sip of water.
Admission and Anesthesia
-> Hospitalization on the day of the operation.
-> Discussion with an anesthesiologist about anesthesia effects and associated risks.
Aneurysm Clipping Procedure: During Surgery
The whole process includes a total of six steps. If an advanced craniotomy is to be performed, the surgery might take even longer than five hours.
-> Get the patient ready.
-> A craniotomy is the next necessary step.
-> Reveal the aneurysm.
-> Insert the clip in
-> Make sure the clip works.
-> Close craniotomy
Recovery and Postoperative Care
After surgery, you’ll be transported to the recovery room to wake up. You’ll then be monitored in the ICU. As needed, painkillers will be provided. Surgery may cause nausea and headaches. The medication reduces these symptoms.
Ruptured aneurysm patients stay in the NSICU for 14–21 days to monitor vasospasm, which can occur 3–14 days following a SAH. Vasospasm produces disorientation, sleepiness, and restlessness.
Unruptured aneurysm patients usually go to a normal room within 24–48 hours. Activity boosts surveillance. You’ll get discharge instructions soon.
For the first 24–48 hours, have someone home to help. Follow the surgeon’s home care instructions for 2 weeks or until your follow-up appointment. The rule:
-> Lift no more than 5 pounds.
-> No yard work, housework, or sex.
-> No alcohol. Blood thinning increases bleeding risk. Avoid alcohol with painkillers.
-> Do not smoke, dip, or chew nicotine. It can prevent healing.
-> Don’t drive, work, or fly until your surgeon says so.
Success Rates and Potential Complications
Preventing aneurysm rupture is usually successful with aneurysm cutting surgery. The size, location, intricacy, and patient health of the aneurysm can affect the success rate. Preventing clipped aneurysms from rupturing has been shown to be 80%–90% effective.
Aneurysm clipping, like any surgery, has risk factors. Possible issues:
-> Vasospasm
-> Anesthesia risks
-> Bleeding
-> Infection
-> Blood vessel damage
Alternative Treatments for Aneurysms
Depending on the aneurysm and the patient’s condition, there are many treatments other than aneurysm clipping. These choices allow patients and healthcare professionals to customize aneurysm healing.
-> Endovascular Coiling
-> Bypass Grafting
-> Observation and Monitoring
-> Flow Diversion
-> Medications
Patient Stories and Testimonials Conclusion
Aneurysm clipping patients benefit from patient testimonials and feedback. These personal tales of patients’ challenges and achievements inspire and reassure. These people share their stories to educate and empower those going through similar medical issues. Patient personal stories and testimonies remind aneurysm patients that there is hope, resilience, and a supporting network, highlighting the need for empathy, understanding, and shared experiences in recovery.
