Brain aneurysm —a weakened blood vessel in the brain that collects blood and can bleed
Splenic artery aneurysm—a weakened blood vessel that may cause the spleen to rupture
Vascular malformations —abnormal connections between arteries and veins
Tumors
Gastrointestinal tract bleeding
Uterine fibroids
Varicocele
Varicose veins

Brain Aneurysm

The procedure can be used alone or with other treatments. It can make your quality of life better by stopping bleeding or lowering the risk of rupture.

Possible Complications

Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review possible problems such as:

General:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Reaction to the anesthesia or dyes used in imaging tests
- Ruptured aneurysm during surgery
Treating brain lesions may cause:
- Weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Speech problems
- Vision changes
- Confusion, memory loss
- Seizures

Your chances of problems are higher for:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

You may have:

A physical exam
Blood tests
Imaging tests such as:

Leading up to your procedure:

Talk to your doctor about the medicines you take. You may need to stop them up to 1 week in advance.
Arrange for a ride home.
The night before the procedure, don't eat or drink anything after midnight.
Women should let their doctor know if they're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia is used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep.

Description of the Procedure

The groin will be shaved and sterilized. The catheter will be inserted here.

A tiny cut will be made in the groin to access an artery. The catheter will be placed in the artery. Then, it’s threaded up to the site. A special dye is injected. It makes it easier to see on a video monitor. X-rays will help the doctor find the right place. The blood vessel can be closed with:

Medicines
Coils
Stents
Other man made material

They’re inserted though the catheter and to the site. Imaging tests will confirm the blood vessels are closed. The catheter and IV are removed. A bandage will cover the wound.

Immediately After Procedure

You will lie still for 6-8 hours.

How Long Will It Take?

30 minutes to several hours—the time depends on what needs to be done

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Medicines will ease pain after.

Average Hospital Stay

Normally, you will stay for 2 days. You will need to stay longer if you have any problems.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

You will rest.
Your vital signs will be watched.

During your stay, the healthcare staff will take steps to lower your chances of infection such as:

Washing their hands
Wearing gloves or masks
Keeping your incisions covered.

There are also steps you can take to lower your chance of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding your healthcare staff to do the same
Reminding your healthcare staff to wear gloves or masks
Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

To help you heal faster, you may need:

Physical or rehabilitative therapy
To care for the wound to prevent infection

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if any of these occur:

Changes in balance, strength, or movement
Changes in mental state
Weakness, numbness, or tingling
Fever or chills
Redness, swelling, pain, bleeding, or pus from the wound
Headaches
Vision problems
Fainting
Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you were given
Nausea or vomiting
Bladder or bowel problems
Pain, swelling, or cramping in your legs

Call for emergency medical services right away for:

Seizures
Breathing problems
Chest pain

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

Brain Aneurysm Foundation
https://www.bafound.org

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
https://www.ninds.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Brain Injury Canada
https://www.braininjurycanada.ca

Heart and Stroke Foundation
http://www.heartandstroke.ca

References:

Catheter embolization. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=cathembol. Updated April 30, 2018. Accessed July 18, 2018.

Endovascular (embolization) treatment of aneurysms. The Toronto Brain Vascular Malformation Study Group website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Accessed July 18, 2018.

Splenic artery aneurysm (SAA). EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated February 22, 2016. Accessed July 18, 2018.

Vascular malformations in the brain. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed... . Updated June 6, 2018. Accessed July 18, 2018.

Last reviewed May 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Michael Fucci, DO, FACC
Last Updated: 7/18/2018

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