Brain Aneurysm Treatment at Stanford Health Care
Stanford Health Care offers all of the latest treatment options for
brain aneurysm care. We use microsurgical surgery techniques and
minimally invasive endovascular techniques, treating the aneurysm from
inside the blood vessel.
Our integrated team approach sets us apart. Our highly experienced
team works together with you and your family to develop the right
customized treatment plan for your unique needs. Our team of
specialists includes:
- Neurosurgeons
- Neuroradiologists
- Neurologists
- Nurses
Brain Aneurysm Care: Determining Your Treatment Plan
Each brain aneurysm is different. Our team determines your specific
treatment plan based on your condition and needs. The goal of
treatment is to close off blood flow to the aneurysm to prevent the
risk of hemorrhage in the safest way possible.
Specific treatment for a brain aneurysm will be determined by your
care team based on:
- Your age, overall health and medical history
- Extent
of the condition, including size and location of the aneurysm
- Your signs and symptoms
- Your tolerance for specific
medications, procedures or therapies
- Expectations for the
course of the condition
- Your opinion or preference
- Presence of other risk factors for aneurysm rupture
Brain Aneurysm Treatment
In some cases, we may choose not to treat the aneurysm. Instead, we
will closely monitor you for any changes. In other cases, we may
recommend surgical treatment.
Surgery for Brain Aneurysms
Our brain aneurysm team performs hundreds of surgeries each year,
using the most advanced equipment and technologies available to
achieve excellent outcomes. Stanford's neuroradiologists have been
pioneers in developing safer, more effective endovascular therapies
for more than 25 years.
Surgical options include:
Open Craniotomy (Surgical Clipping)
This procedure involves the surgical removal of part of the skull.
We will:
Endovascular Coiling
Endovascular coiling is a minimally invasive technique, which means
it does not require an incision in the skull. We will use either
general or local anesthesia. To perform this procedure, we will:
Coil Embolization
To perform this minimally invasive procedure, we will:
- Thread a catheter through the groin into an artery.
- Place coils into the dome of the brain aneurysm to fill it and
close off blood flow, preventing future bleeding.
- Place a
tiny tube, called a stent, or a balloon to ensure safe coil
placement (in some cases).
Pipeline Flow Diverter Surgery
If the structure of the brain aneurysm is wider, then we will insert
a pipeline stent inside to reconstruct a new wall for the artery so
blood cannot fill it.