Aneurysm Coiling
Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive procedure to treat brain aneurysms — abnormal bulges in blood vessel walls that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. Using platinum coils inserted through a catheter, we seal the aneurysm from the inside without open brain surgery.
Understanding Brain Aneurysms
A brain (cerebral) aneurysm is a weak, bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery, somewhat like a thin balloon. As blood flows through the artery, the pressure causes the weak area to bulge outward. If an aneurysm ruptures, it causes bleeding into the space around the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage) — a medical emergency with a 40% fatality rate. Even unruptured aneurysms may require treatment to prevent future rupture, depending on size, location, and patient risk factors.
Signs & Symptoms
Unruptured: Often no symptoms (found incidentally on imaging)
Large unruptured: Pain above and behind one eye, dilated pupil, vision changes, numbness on one side of the face
Ruptured: Sudden, severe 'thunderclap' headache (worst headache of life)
Nausea and vomiting with severe headache
Stiff neck and sensitivity to light
Loss of consciousness, seizures, or sudden death
How Endovascular Coiling Works
Diagnostic Angiography
Detailed cerebral angiography is performed to map the aneurysm's exact size, shape, location, and relationship to surrounding vessels. This guides the treatment strategy.
Catheter Navigation
Under general anaesthesia, a microcatheter is inserted through the femoral artery and navigated through the blood vessels to the brain. Advanced 3D imaging guides precise catheter positioning within the aneurysm.
Coil Deployment
Soft platinum coils are carefully deployed into the aneurysm sac, one at a time. The coils promote blood clotting within the aneurysm, effectively sealing it off from the normal blood circulation. For complex aneurysms, stent-assisted coiling or flow diverter devices may be used.
Verification & Monitoring
Final angiography confirms complete or adequate aneurysm occlusion. The patient is monitored in the neuro ICU. Follow-up angiography at 6 months and 1 year ensures stable occlusion.
Recovery After Aneurysm Coiling
Recovery depends on whether the aneurysm was ruptured or unruptured at the time of treatment. Unruptured aneurysm patients generally have faster recovery.
1-2 Days (Unruptured)
Most patients with unruptured aneurysms are discharged within 2 days. Light activity can resume within a week.
1-3 Weeks (Ruptured)
Longer ICU and hospital stay. Monitoring for vasospasm (blood vessel narrowing) which can occur 4-14 days after rupture.
1-3 Months
Gradual return to normal activities. Cognitive rehabilitation if needed. Avoidance of heavy straining.
6-12 Months
Follow-up angiography to confirm stable coil position. Annual monitoring may be recommended for the first few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is coiling better than clipping?
For many aneurysm types, coiling offers similar results with less invasiveness — no skull opening, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery. The choice depends on aneurysm characteristics; our team selects the optimal approach for each patient.
Can the aneurysm come back after coiling?
In about 10-20% of cases, partial recanalization (reopening) may occur, requiring retreatment. Regular imaging follow-up helps detect this early. Flow diverter devices have even lower recurrence rates.
How many aneurysms has Dr. Hilal treated?
Dr. Hilal's centre has successfully treated over 500 aneurysms endovascularly, with a success rate exceeding 95%.
Related Treatments
Emergency
Mechanical Thrombectomy
A life-saving procedure to remove blood clots from the brain in acute stroke patients, restoring blood flow instantly.
Complex
AVM Treatment
Endovascular treatment of brain arteriovenous malformations — abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can cause haemorrhage and seizures.
Need Expert Consultation?
Dr. Hilal Ahmad Ganaie and the team are here to help. Book an appointment or reach out via WhatsApp for immediate assistance.