How are aneurysms clipped?

The brain is gently retracted to locate the aneurysm. A small clip is placed across the base, or neck, of the aneurysm to block the normal blood flow from entering. The clip works like a tiny coil-spring clothespin, in which the blades of the clip remain tightly closed until pressure is applied to open the blades.

What are intracranial clips?

During microsurgical clipping, a small metal clip is used to stop blood flow into the aneurysm. A craniotomy is performed to create an opening in the skull to reach the aneurysm in the brain. The clip is placed on the neck (opening) of the aneurysm to obstruct the flow of blood, and remains inside the brain.

Are titanium aneurysm clips MRI safe?

Titanium clips have been available since 1997 and have catalog numbers that begin with FT. All “FE” and FT model YASARGIL aneurysm clips are non-ferromagnetic and may be safely exposed to MRI.

Can you have an MRI with aneurysm clips?

By comparison aneurysm clips classified as non-ferromagnetic (eg. Titanium alloy) have been tested and shown to be safe for patients undergoing MR procedures at 1.5T or lower. All aneurysm clips must be checked and documented for MRI compatibility.

Do aneurysm clips fail?

Unfortunately, rebleeding from a clipped aneurysm does occur, but the likelihood declines with time. Since relatively old people suffer from subarachnoid hemorrhage, they die from diseases other than rebleeding, such as cancer. Therefore, rebleeding from a clipped aneurysm after two decades is quite rare.

How long does a brain aneurysm clip last?

About 1 in 5 patients may need further treatment. But the aneurysm clip stays in the patient’s body permanently and therefore, prevents any rupture or bleeding in the future. The coiling procedure is less invasive. Therefore the patient is sent back home after its complete, most likely in a day or two.