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What is Aneurysm Coiling?
Intracranial aneurysm coiling involves tiny platinum flexible coils that can be inserted into an aneurysm cavity. After the coils have been deposited in the sac of the aneurysm, blood flow stops, and therefore the pressure exerted by the walls of the aneurysm is lessened, which helps form a clot inside the aneurysm. It prevents the aneurysm from rupture. The coil's placement is guided by advanced imaging technology, which allows the positioning of the coils accurately within the aneurysm. Platinum coils are widely used because they are soft, can be seen under DSA imaging, and have bio-compatibility which is very important especially where the coils are used in the brain.
Who are the suitable patients for Aneurysm Coiling?
Eligibility:
Coiling of an aneurysm is performed in most cases in certain types or locations of the aneurysms, especially those that cannot be accessed surgically. It is believed that small to medium-sized aneurysms with certain necks may be more favorable to coiling treatment. Several patient-related factors including age, general health, aneurysm site, and status of rupture will also assist in candidate selection. Elderly or high-risk individuals can be offered coiling treatment because of the limited invasiveness and shorter recovery period involved.
Alternative Treatments:
On the one hand, although aneurysm coiling is an explanation option for many, surgical clipping remains an alternative option where the metal clip is placed on the base of the aneurysm. Clipping could be the preferred method when treating large, broad-necked, or wide-base aneurysms that are difficult to secure with coils. A neuro-interventional radiologist or a neurosurgeon will examine the patient and the aneurysm's characteristics to resolve suitable treatment between coiling and clipping.
Steps of Aneurysm Coiling Procedure
Pre-Procedure Consultation:
There are guidelines/right procedures to be followed in preparation for endovascular treatment and the conduct of an aneurysm coiling which includes several imaging and medical evaluation tests, especially for the safety and effectiveness of the procedure. These can involve a cerebral angiogram where the vascular system of the brain will be evaluated and determine the size, shape, and site of the aneurysm. In addition, CT or MRI scans may also be performed. Apart from the tests above, blood tests and general assessment of the patient are done for proper health management, which reduces the risks involved especially for factors that may obstruct blood flow or even hinder fit anesthesia administration.
Helpful Guidelines for Patients:
Usually, patients are instructed not to consume anything for a period of six to eight hours before the procedure starts. It may be necessary to change medications or their dosage; for example, drugs that prevent blood clots or blood thinners may be suspended for some time, so that bleeding does not occur during the procedure. Patients are advised to carry personal medical records, a current medication list, and contacts in case assistance is needed after the operation.
The Aneurysm Coiling Procedure
Step-by-Step Procedure:
Surgery
For the procedure, the patient lies on an angiography table. After the patient is anesthetized, a catheter is placed via the femoral artery or the radial artery, and after it is navigated to the target aneurysm by the use of fluoroscopy, the clot is dissolved, allowing the aneurysm to reorganize, or it is allowed to remain, depending upon the agent used. Coils are then deployed in the aneurysm from inside the catheter, but first, a microcatheter is inserted through the catheter. A platinum coil containing empty space is emptied and placed in the sac of an aneurysm. Inside the aneurysm’s sac, these coils prevent blood from flowing in by tearing the walls of the sac so blood can’t flow through and additionally cause a clot to form that prevents any further blood from entering the aneurysm.
Technology and Tools:
Varicocele Embolisation
In order for the catheter to reach the aneurysm and deploy the coils very accurately and effectively, fluoroscopy and 3D angiography are used as devices. For wide-necked aneurysms, some patients are included with coiling of the aneurysm with the stents/balloons placed at the same time to aid with keeping the coils in place.
Anesthesia and Comfort:
In some cases, the procedure can be done with local anesthesia with sedation, or in general anesthesia. The vital signs are generally monitored the entire time and the pain is minimal.
Risks and Benefits of Aneurysm Coiling
Advantages:
Aneurysm coil embolization has numerous benefits. It is minimally invasive i.e. no skull is opened thus reducing the recovery period in comparison to the surgical approach. Most patients end up having shorter hospital admissions in the course of the endovascular treatment and do post-procedure daily activities quicker, therefore open surgery is often associated with high complication risks.
Disadvantages and Complications:
Coiling, despite being minimally invasive, is yet not devoid of risks as there are chances of infection, blood loss, and even ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, or vasospasm. Also, it is possible although not probable that the coils may be misplaced into a non-target artery resulting in non-target occlusion. Recurrence rates are not uniform, and some patients may need a repeat procedure. Adverse effects may be more common for patients who have complex or wide-necked morphologies because coils can be difficult to keep constant inside the aneurysm.
Recovery After Aneurysm Coiling
Immediate Post-Procedure Care:
After the procedure, patients are taken to a recovery room, and the duration of their stay depends on various factors. Such factors could include their general condition, for example, whether the patient is healthy or whether there was already a ruptured aneurysm. The first few effects tend to be slight discomfort situated in the groin (the area where the catheter was inserted) and headaches, which are most often controlled by medications.
Recovery Strategies:
For a couple of weeks, home recovery typically includes rest periods and restrictions on lifting heavy objects, intense exertion, or exercise activities. Medications are often taken to manage pain, and a diet that supports recovery is recommended. Patients are advised to restrict or stop consuming alcoholic drinks and smoking.
Preventive Measures and Prognosis:
Follow-up visits and imaging (such as MRIs or angiograms) are crucial aspects of post-procedural care. Some patients may undergo periodic imaging studies even after treatment to monitor improvement or deterioration over time. In rare cases, if the coil migrates unnecessarily or aneurysm recanalization occurs, further coiling or alternative treatment options might be necessary in the future.
Leading Core
Our Team
Leading Team of Core Neuroradiologists & Interventional Radiologists of the Region.
Dr. SANDEEP SHARMA
(MD, DM Neuro Radiology AIIMS)
Dr. LOKESH SINGH
(Ex. AIIMS, PGIMER)
Dr. GAURAV DHAWAN
(Ex. TMH, SGRH)
Dr. JASPREET SINGH
(Ex. SSCHRC Bangalore)