Published with the inputs from Dr Tom Jose, Spine Surgeon, Baby Memorial Hospitals - Thodupuzha
An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel caused by a weak spot in the vessel wall, often occurring in the brain. If left untreated, it may rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Aneurysm clipping and coiling are two surgical procedures used to prevent rupture by sealing off the aneurysm from normal blood circulation.
Clipping is a surgical procedure where a small metal clip is placed at the base of the aneurysm to stop blood from entering it. Coiling, on the other hand, is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure where tiny platinum coils are inserted into the aneurysm through a catheter, causing it to clot and seal off.
Treatment is advised if an aneurysm is large, at high risk of rupture, or has already bled. The choice between clipping and coiling depends on the aneurysm’s size, shape, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health. Doctors recommend the most suitable option after evaluating imaging tests.
In clipping, the neurosurgeon makes a small opening in the skull, carefully locates the aneurysm, and places a metal clip at its neck. This permanently closes off the aneurysm from normal circulation while preserving healthy blood flow in the brain.
In coiling, a catheter is inserted into a blood vessel in the groin or wrist and guided to the brain. Tiny coils are released into the aneurysm, filling it and causing clotting that seals it off. Sometimes, stents or flow-diverters are used to support the coils and stabilize the blood vessel.
Both treatments prevent aneurysm rupture and protect against brain hemorrhage. Coiling is less invasive, involves shorter hospital stays, and has a quicker recovery, while clipping provides a durable, long-term solution. Risks include bleeding, infection, stroke, or aneurysm recurrence, but these are uncommon with experienced neurosurgical teams.
Recovery depends on the patient’s condition and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. After coiling, patients often return home within a few days, while clipping may require a longer hospital stay. Full recovery can take several weeks to months, with follow-up imaging to ensure the aneurysm remains sealed.
Clipping is usually permanent, while in some cases, coiled aneurysms may reopen over time and require additional treatment. Regular follow-up imaging, such as MRI or angiography, is essential to monitor long-term results.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, our Neurosurgery and Interventional Radiology Teams at Baby Memorial Hospitals provide advanced expertise in both clipping and coiling procedures