What is Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
Brain aneurysm surgery involves putting the patient under general anesthesia, then repairing the aneurysm either through open clipping (placing a metal clip via a small skull opening) or endovascular treatment like coiling or stent/flow diversion done through a thin catheter inserted from the groin or wrist.
The goal is to stop blood from entering the aneurysm and prevent rupture. After the procedure, the patient is moved to the ICU for close monitoring, followed by gradual recovery, medication support, and follow-up scans to ensure the aneurysm is fully secured.
Types of Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Clipping is an open surgery where the surgeon makes a small skull opening to reach the aneurysm. A titanium clip is placed at its neck to stop blood flow permanently. This prevents the aneurysm from growing or rupturing again and is often preferred for accessible or wide-neck aneurysms.
Coiling is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a catheter inserted from the leg or wrist. Soft platinum coils are packed inside the aneurysm to block blood flow from within. It does not require opening the skull and is ideal for deep or hard-to-reach aneurysms.
Flow Diversion and Stent-Assisted Techniques
Flow diverters and stents are used when the aneurysm is large, wide-necked, or unsuitable for coiling alone. A special stent is placed in the artery to redirect blood away from the aneurysm, allowing it to shrink and seal over time. This technique offers a modern, less invasive alternative with excellent long-term outcomes.
Microsurgical and Minimally Invasive Surgery
Microsurgical techniques use advanced microscopes, tiny instruments, and small incisions to repair the aneurysm with less trauma. These approaches reduce pain, recovery time, and scarring compared to traditional open surgery. They are useful when precision and minimal brain tissue disturbance are essential.
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Why Do You Require Surgery for a Brain Aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm forms when a weak spot in a blood vessel wall balloons outward, creating the risk of rupture. Not all aneurysms need surgery, but when they are large, growing, symptomatic, or located in high-risk areas, the chances of bursting increase significantly. A ruptured aneurysm can lead to a subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing sudden brain bleeding, stroke, coma, or even death. In such situations, surgery becomes essential to prevent rupture, protect healthy brain tissue, and avoid life-threatening complications.
Even after an aneurysm has ruptured, immediate surgery is often the only way to stop ongoing bleeding, reduce pressure in the brain, and prevent rebleeding, which is common and extremely dangerous in the first few days. Surgical treatment—either clipping or endovascular coiling—helps seal the aneurysm so blood cannot enter it again. This stabilizes the patient, prevents further neurological damage, and gives the brain the best chance to recover. Ultimately, aneurysm surgery is performed to protect life, preserve brain function, and improve long-term outcomes.
Symptoms and Warning Signs for Brain Aneurysm
Before symptoms of a brain aneurysm appear, most patients have no idea if anything is wrong, because aneurysms often grow silently for years. That’s why it becomes important to pay attention to any sudden or unusual changes in how the body feels, especially when they involve the head, vision, or neurological functions. Here are the symptoms you should never ignore:
- Sudden Severe Headache
- Blurred Vision or Double Vision
- Neck Pain and Stiffness
- Nausea Vomiting or Seizures
Risks and Complications of Brain Aneurysm Surgery
Any brain aneurysm surgery, whether open or endovascular, involves working with delicate blood vessels and highly sensitive brain tissue. Because the brain controls every function of the body, even small disturbances during treatment can lead to temporary or long-term effects. Risks may also arise from the patient’s overall health, the size or location of the aneurysm, and how the body responds to anaesthesia or healing. While modern techniques greatly reduce complications, it’s important to understand the potential challenges that may occur during or after surgery, such as:
- Bleeding or Stroke During Surgery
- Infections and Seizures
- Post-Surgical Vasospasm and Brain Swelling
- Managing Long-Term Neurological Recovery
Brain Aneurysm Surgery Procedure
The patient is brought into the Operating Room (OR) or Angio Suite and placed on the procedure table. The clinical team confirms the patient's identity, the procedure, and the location of the aneurysm.
The patient is connected to monitoring equipment (for heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation) to ensure safety throughout the procedure.
The Anesthesiologist administers medication via IV to put the patient into a deep sleep (General Anesthesia). This ensures the patient feels no pain and has no awareness or memory of the procedure.
The procedure begins by cleaning and prepping a site, most commonly the patient's groin, where the surgeon will make a small puncture to access the femoral artery.
- A specialized thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into the artery. Using continuous, live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the surgeon carefully navigates this catheter through the patient's major blood vessels all the way up to the specific blood vessel in the brain containing the aneurysm.
- A tiny microcatheter is guided into the aneurysm sac. Through this, soft, fine platinum coils are deployed. These coils fill the space of the aneurysm.
- Once filled, the coils encourage the blood to clot within the aneurysm sac, effectively isolating it from the main blood circulation. This prevents the aneurysm from rupturing.
- The catheters are gently withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the groin puncture site to stop any bleeding. A small dressing is typically applied afterward.
The patient is transported to a recovery area or, more often, the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for continuous, close observation. The general anesthesia is allowed to wear off gradually. The patient will slowly wake up, often feeling groggy and possibly having a temporary headache. Nursing staff closely monitors the patient's vital signs and neurological status (e.g., movement, speech).
The patient is typically required to lie flat for several hours to allow the femoral artery access site in the groin to heal properly. It is normal for the patient to experience fatigue, mild headaches, and localized soreness at the groin access site. Pain and nausea medications are provided as needed to maintain comfort.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
After brain aneurysm surgery, the body needs time, monitoring, and support to heal safely. The brain is highly sensitive, and even a successful surgery can cause temporary swelling, changes in blood flow, or weakness that requires close observation. ICU care ensures that any early complications are detected quickly, while rehabilitation therapies help patients regain strength, balance, and daily functioning. Medications play a key role in preventing infections, seizures, or blood vessel spasms, and follow-up imaging confirms that the aneurysm remains secure and no new issues have developed. Together, these steps create a structured recovery plan that protects long-term brain health.
- ICU and Hospital Stay Duration
- Physical and Occupational Therapy
- Medications After Surgery
- Follow-Up Imaging and Monitoring
Opt for safe and precise Brain Aneurysm Surgery with our experienced neurosurgeons and advanced treatment systems.
Why Choose Artemis Hospitals for Brain Aneurysm Surgery?
Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, provides extensive, high-level support for patients with brain aneurysms. Our experienced neurosurgeons and endovascular specialists are trained to handle even the most complex cases. The hospital is equipped with advanced neuroimaging technology and hybrid operating rooms, allowing precise diagnosis and safer, more effective procedures. After surgery, patients receive comprehensive postoperative care and structured neurorehabilitation, ensuring steady recovery and long-term stability.
With 24×7 emergency and critical care services, Artemis ensures immediate intervention and continuous monitoring, making it a trusted, full-spectrum center for aneurysm treatment.
Book Appointment at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon for Brain Aneurysm Surgery
To prioritize your health, securing an appointment for brain aneurysm treatment and surgery at Artemis Hospital Gurgaon is easy. You can call our dedicated center at +91 98004 00498 to speak directly with an expert. For quick communication, WhatsApp us on the same number. Alternatively, you can book online through the official Artemis Hospitals website at your convenience. Choose the method that suits you best to take the next step toward specialized care.
Reviewed By Dr. Anuvrat Sinha
Consultant Neurosurgery
Artemis Hospitals
