Aneurysm clipping is a surgical procedure used to treat brain aneurysms. Through a craniotomy, a small clip is placed across the aneurysm to prevent rupture or re-bleeding.
Quick Facts:
- Used to treat ruptured and select unruptured aneurysms
- Provides a durable, long-term solution
- Requires a craniotomy (opening the skull)
- Often performed urgently in cases of bleeding
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WHAT IS ANEURYSM CLIPPING?
Aneurysm clipping is a procedure in which a small metal clip is placed at the base (neck) of a brain aneurysm to stop blood flow into it.
This prevents:
- Rupture of an unruptured aneurysm
- Re-bleeding after a subarachnoid hemorrhage
The procedure is performed through a craniotomy, allowing direct visualization of the aneurysm and surrounding structures.
WHY IS THIS PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Aneurysm clipping is recommended in situations where the risk of rupture or re-bleeding is significant.
Common Indications
- Ruptured aneurysm (subarachnoid hemorrhage)
- High-risk unruptured aneurysm
- Aneurysms not well suited for endovascular treatment
- Younger patients where long-term durability is important
👉 The goal is definitive exclusion of the aneurysm from circulation
WHO IS A CANDIDATE?
Patients may be candidates for clipping if:
- The aneurysm has ruptured
- The aneurysm anatomy is favorable for surgery
- Endovascular options are less ideal
- Long-term durability is a priority
Decision-making often involves:
- Aneurysm size and location
- Patient age and health
- Comparison with endovascular options (coiling, stenting)
HOW THE PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED
Step-by-Step Overview
- Anesthesia
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Craniotomy
- A small section of skull is temporarily removed
- Microsurgical Exposure
- The brain is carefully accessed using microsurgical techniques
- Aneurysm Identification
- The aneurysm and surrounding vessels are visualized
- Clip Placement
- A titanium clip is placed across the aneurysm neck
- Blood flow is preserved in normal vessels
- Closure
- The skull is replaced and secured
OUR APPROACH
We focus on precision, safety, and individualized decision-making.
- Not all aneurysms require open surgery
- We carefully evaluate whether clipping or endovascular treatment is best
- When clipping is chosen, the goal is complete and durable aneurysm occlusion
- Microsurgical technique is used to protect surrounding brain and blood vessels
👉 The focus is on long-term safety and optimal outcomes
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Surgery
- CT, MRI, and/or angiography
- Discussion of treatment options
- Coordination with neurovascular team
Day of Surgery
- Procedure typically takes several hours
- Performed under general anesthesia
Hospital Stay
- Typically several days to a week
- ICU monitoring may be required, especially after rupture
Recovery
- Gradual recovery over weeks to months
- Follow-up imaging to confirm aneurysm occlusion
OUTCOMES & SUCCESS RATES
- Clipping provides durable, long-term protection
- Very low recurrence rates compared to some other treatments
- Outcomes depend on:
- Whether the aneurysm has ruptured
- Patient condition at presentation
- Aneurysm location and complexity
RISKS & COMPLICATIONS
As with any brain surgery, risks include:
- Stroke
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Neurologic deficits
- Seizures
- Need for additional treatment
👉 These risks are carefully managed with modern microsurgical techniques
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is clipping better than coiling?
It depends. Clipping is often more durable, but the best option depends on aneurysm anatomy and patient factors.
Will the aneurysm come back?
Recurrence after clipping is rare.
How long is recovery?
Recovery varies but often takes several weeks to months.
Is this always an emergency?
Ruptured aneurysms require urgent treatment. Unruptured aneurysms are typically treated electively.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS (Optional Expandable Section)
- Refer patients with:
- Known intracranial aneurysm
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Complex aneurysm anatomy
- Imaging:
- CTA or MRA prior to referral
- Diagnostic angiography when needed
- Urgent referral for:
- Suspected or confirmed rupture
- Neurologic symptoms
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Brain Aneurysm
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
- Endovascular Coiling