Treatment of Aneurysms

Ruptured Aneurysm Embolization

What is subarachnoid hemorrhage? 

The rupture of a cerebral aneurysm and the leakage of blood from the aneurysm into the surrounding subarachnoid space is often severe and life-threatening. This terrible event is one form of a “hemorrhagic stroke”. Many people die of ruptured aneurysms and subarachnoid hemorrhage every year. Many patients with a ruptured aneurysm will die before reaching the hospital, and many will die in the hospital despite the best efforts of the hospital staff. Of those that survive, many will be handicapped.

Outcomes are Improving

Patients with ruptured brain aneurysms are doing better now than in the past. The medical care of subarachnoid hemorrhage patients, the surgical treatments for aneurysms and the endovascular treatments for aneurysms have all evolved significantly over the past decade. Recent studies have in particular shown the benefit of a less invasive treatment for patients with ruptured aneurysms. Long-term outcome of a patient with SAH will reflect both the safety and the efficacy of the procedure performed to prevent the aneurysm from rebleeding. These studies suggest that the safety advantages of the coiling procedure are greater than the efficacy advantages of open surgery, in patients whose aneurysms would be considered candidates for either procedure. It is important to remember, however, that not all aneurysms have a size or shape appropriate for coil embolization. Moreover, while the outcome of any patient treated for aneurismal SAH will in part be affected by the safety of the aneurysm treatment, the primary determinants of outcome are still the severity of the initial bleeding and complications of the initial bleeding such as vasospasm. It is important to discuss these issues with your doctor.

Embolization of a Ruptured Aneurysm

Embolization of a ruptured aneurysm is similar to embolization of unruptured aneurysms. But patients undergoing embolization of ruptured aneurysms are usually sicker and usually stay in the hospital much longer than patients undergoing endovascular coiling of unruptured aneurysms. It is important to realize that either clipping or coiling an aneurysm that has already bled is performed to prevent the aneurysm from ever rebleeding, but the clipping or coiling procedures do not in themselves speed up or enhance the recovery from the bleeding that had already occurred.

The information provided through this website is designed for educational purposes only, and it is not a substitute for professional care. The information provided through our website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your local health care provider.