What Is Clipping of a Brain Aneurysm?

Facts

• Aneurysm clipping is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia. The goal is to take the affected artery out of circulation without blocking any of the surrounding arteries.
  
  

The Procedure

• Your neurosurgeon will make an opening in your skull and place a small titanium clip on the neck or the base of the aneurysm, preventing blood from flowing into the area.
  
  

What to Expect After Surgery

• After your surgery is complete, you will be taken to the recovery room to be monitored while you awaken and then to the NSICU (neuroscience intensive care unit) for observation. According to the Mayfield Clinic, patients commonly experience a headache and nausea after the procedure.
  
  

The Hospital Stay

• The length of your hospital stay will range from several days to several weeks, depending on whether the aneurysm has ruptured. Patients with a ruptured aneurysm require careful postoperative monitoring.
  
  

Risks

• Risks of an aneurysm clipping procedure include infection, seizure, stroke, brain swelling and allergic reaction to general anesthesia.
  
  

Recovery

• Full recovery could take several months or several years, depending on the severity of your condition. You may suffer some short- or long-term deficits (such as memory lapses) which may dissipate as your body heals and you undergo physical therapy.