Cerebral Coiling

Cerebral coiling is a procedure whereby tiny soft metal threads are coiled inside the aneurysm to block the blood flow to the aneurysm to stop it from bursting or bleeding. The coils fill the aneurysm causing blood trapped inside to clot and prevent more blood entering it and thus, reducing the chances of the aneurysm bursting or bleeding. Coiling is used instead of open surgery or surgical clipping.

Reasons for cerebral coiling:

Presence of a aneurysm n the brain
may be used in Arterio-Venous Malformations (AVM) although these are usually treated with liquid embolic agents
Pre-operative – to decrease the risk of haemorrhage during operation
After trauma

This procedure is performed by a specialised doctor called a Neuro-Radiologist.

Preparation

You will be asked to remove underwear and change into a hospital gown. All jewellery and metal objects in the area to be scanned will need to be removed as this can cause artefact and obscure the images.

This procedure will be performed under general anaesthetic. You will be positioned on your back on the procedure table. A sterile sheet will be draped over you with part of the groin exposed.

The groin area is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area. Under x-ray imaging, a catheter (small hollow tube) is inserted through the artery in the groin and carefully advanced up into an artery in the neck. Small micro-catheters are then guided through the small blood vessels of the brain to the area of interest.

Once the micro-catheter reaches the target area the coils are gently inserted. Multiple coils are usually required to completely fill the aneurysm. An angiogram is performed at the end of the procedure to ensure the procedure is effective.

After the Procedure

At the end of the procedure the sheath will be removed and pressure is immediately applied to the area for about 10 to 15 minute to stop bleeding

You will be woken up and will need to remain lying flat for up to four hours. Your groin and vital signs will be monitored regularly post procedure for haematoma, oozing and bruising.

You will be admitted to the neurosurgical ward for recovery post procedure.

Results

A report regarding your procedure will be given to you before you leave to give to your referring doctor. It contains information about your procedure and any findings that your doctor should know about.