This minimally-invasive procedure is used to treat an aneurysm (a bulge in the wall of an artery) inside the skull. Aneurysms can often become so large that they rupture or leak. In this procedure, a small, soft metal coil is placed inside the aneurysm to help block the flow of blood and prevent rupture.
In preparation for the procedure, the patient is positioned, anesthesia is administered and a portion of the insertion site may be shaved. The insertion site is typically in the femoral artery, which is a blood vessel near the groin.
Using fluoroscopic imaging, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery and carefully guided to the site of the aneurysm. A small wire is then pushed up through the catheter and coiled within the aneurysm, blocking the flow of blood into the aneurysm.
The coil is detached, and the remainder of the wire and catheter are removed. A small bandage is applied. Depending on the severity of the aneurysm, a hospital stay of one night to several days may be necessary.