It is important to be informed about the available procedures if you have a stroke or brain aneurysm. This article explains the risks and benefits of treatment and will provide you with information about the OHSU Brain Institute's expertise in treating brain aneurysms. It also covers the efficacy and safety of various aneurysm procedures.
Efficacy of aneurysm treatment
There are many ways to evaluate the effectiveness of aneurysm treatments, including complete or close-to-complete occlusion. An independent observer will determine the primary efficacy outcome, which is a mRS score between two and more. Efficacy is also assessed by the number of recurrences that occurred during the follow-up period.
One study evaluated the rate of occlusion in complex wide-neck bifurcation andeurysms. It showed that the majority of aneurysms were occlusive at six months after surgery. The angiographic appearance of the aneurysms was also stable or improved. The study also showed that an estimated 1% of aneurysms would recur in long-term followup.
Risk of rupture
There are different types of aneurysms, so the risk of rupture varies. Aneurysms located in the basilar artery, vertebrobasilar intersection, and vertebral artery pose higher risks than those found in the anterior circulation. Patients with aneurysms larger than 10mm in diameter are at greater risk.
Another risk factor is smoking and drinking. The damage cigarette smoke does to the arteries can lead to aneurysm rupture. A rupture can also occur when there is high blood pressure. Aneurysms that are larger tend to burst without symptoms. Patients with aneurysms that are posteriorly communicating artery aneurysms have a higher risk of rupture than patients who have them in any other area.
Aneurysm treatment procedures
Procedures to treat aneurysms can be categorized into two main types: open surgery and endovascular coiling. Endovascular coiling, on the other hand, is less invasive and more complex. Both require the placement of a catheter in order to traverse the blood vessel system.
This procedure involves inserting the catheter through the neck of aneurysm. Then, the coil will be shaped like springs. Once the coil has been inserted, it will seal the aneurysm. Sometimes, multiple coils are required.
The expertise of the OHSU Brain Institute in treating brain aneurysms
The OHSU Brain Institute specializes on the diagnosis and treatment for brain aneurysms. They are balloon-like growths in the arteries that lead to damage to the brain. They can rupture and cause life-threatening hemorhage in the brain. Fortunately, the OHSU Brain Institute has some of the best brain aneurysm specialists in the country.
Aneurysms result in weakening of the artery wall, which can rupture at anytime. They can be as small or large as one quarter of an inch. They can form anywhere in the brain. However, most occur near the arteries that connect the brain to the base of skull. Saccular aneurysms are attached to arteries by stems. They can be narrow or wide necked.