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Micorvascular Occlusion

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Microvascular Occlusion

(Endovascular Coil Embolization)

Definition

Microvascular occlusion is a procedure to treat an aneurysm. It uses metal coils to stop bleeding or a rupture. It may also fix a ruptured aneurysm.

This may also be called endovascular coil embolization.

Reasons for Procedure

Endovascular coil embolization prevents a brain aneurysm from causing more damage. It will not fix damaged areas of the brain. It can help with quality of life by stopping bleeding.

Brain Aneurysm.

An aneurysm is a weakened blood vessel in the brain that collects blood. The bulging, blood-filled pocket can put pressure on parts of the brain, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause symptoms or cause the blood vessel to rupture (hemorrhage).

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Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will talk about possible problems such as:

  • Problems from anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to other organs or structures
  • Stroke
  • Seizures, confusion, memory loss

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Fever or chills
  • Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
  • Lasting nausea or vomiting
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines given
  • Problems with thinking, balance, or movement
  • Weakness, numbness, or tingling
  • Headaches, fainting, vision problems, or problems passing urine or stool (poop)
  • Pain, swelling, or cramping in your legs

Call for medical help right away for:

  • Seizures
  • Problems breathing
  • Chest pain

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

Prior to Procedure

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from surgery
  • Tests that will need to be done before the procedure
RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cerebral aneurysm. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Cerebral-Aneurysm.
  • Endovascular coiling. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/endovascular-coiling.
  • Rinkel, G.J.E. Management of patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms. Curr Opin Neurol, 2019; 32 (1): 49-53.
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/subarachnoid-hemorrhage.
  • Treatment of brain aneurysm. The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation website. Available at: https://www.taafonline.org/conditions/aneurysm/treatment.

Contributors

  • James Cornell, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.