Aneurysm Clipping

Aneurysm clipping is a surgical procedure that is sometimes used to treat cerebral aneurysms. Aneurysms occur when the walls of a blood vessel become weakened and balloon out. The weakened blood vessels become more likely to leak or rupture, potentially causing a stroke. When an aneurysm in the brain (cerebral aneurysm) bursts, it can be fatal.

With aneurysm clipping, an intact aneurysm is blocked off, to stop further leaking of blood from the site and help prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.

How the procedure works

The aneurysm is located using MRI or CT scans. Aneurysm clipping is performed during a brain operation called an open craniotomy. With the patient under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes incisions (cuts) to gain access to the brain, then a metal clip is placed near the aneurysm to seal it off. Patients are monitored in the Intensive Care Unit for a period of days after the surgery.

Why choose UAB Medicine

The UAB Medicine Neurology and Neurosurgery programs provide specialized evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the body’s central nervous, peripheral nervous, and muscle systems. Our internationally known neurologists and neurosurgeons address the most complex problems within their specialty, in both adults and children. Their approach to care combines compassion with the most advanced technology available.

UAB Neurology/Neurosurgery is consistently ranked among the top 50 programs of their kind nationally by U.S. News & World Report, which also has ranked UAB’s program No. 1 in Alabama. Because UAB Medicine is a major center for research, patients may have access to medications and treatments not available at other medical centers.

Care Providers

Winfield Fisher, III, MD Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Mark Harrigan, MD Endovascular Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery Michael Lyerly, MD Neurology, Vascular Neurology Victor Mark, MD Neurology Mark Patterson, MD Vascular Surgery Benjamin Pearce, MD Endovascular Surgery, Vascular Surgery Jesse Jones, MD Diagnostic Radiology, Endovascular Neurosurgery, Interventional Neuroradiology, Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery Elizabeth Liptrap, MD Brain and Tumor Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery

Resources

• Division of Memory Disorders and Behavioral Neurology
• Aneurysm Clipping

Related Specialties

• Brain (Cerebral) Aneurysm