You should know the options available to you if you have a 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 addresses the effectiveness of different aneurysm treatments.
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. The number and frequency of recurrences over the follow-up period also determines efficacy.
One study examined the occlusion rate of complex wide-neck bifurcation aeurysms. It was found that most aneurysms had become occlusive by six months. A stable or improved angiographic appearance was also found. However, it also showed that a small minority of aneurysms recurred during long-term follow-up.
Risk of rupturing
Aneurysm treatment can cause rupture depending on the type. Aneurysms located in the basilar artery, vertebrobasilar intersection, and vertebral artery pose higher risks than those found in the anterior circulation. Patients with aneurysms more than 10 millimeters in diameter are at higher risk.
Other risk factors include smoking and alcohol abuse. Aneurysm rupture can result from the damage caused by cigarette smoke to the arteries. It is possible to also rupture if you have high blood pressure. Aneurysms larger than normal tend to rupture quickly. Patients with aneurysms of the posterior communicating arterial artery are also more susceptible to rupture than those from other parts.
Aneurysm treatment techniques
Procedures to treat aneurysms can be categorized into two main types: open surgery and endovascular coiling. Endovascular coiling is a less invasive procedure, while open surgery is more involved. Both require the use of a catheter for passage through the blood vessels.
The procedure involves inserting thin, flexible catheter in the neck of the theeurysm. After that, a coil shaped like a Spring is advanced. The coil will seal the aneurysm's opening once it is in place. Sometimes multiple coils are necessary.
The expertise of the OHSU Brain Institute when it comes to treating brain aneurysms
The OHSU Brain Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment brain aneurysms. These balloon-like masses form in the arteries in the brain. They can rupture and cause life-threatening hemorhage in the brain. Fortunately, some of the country's most respected experts on brain aneurysms are located at the OHSU Brain Institute.
Aneurysms refer to weakening areas of an artery wall that could rupture at any time. They can range in size from a few millimeters to the width of a quarter. While they can develop anywhere in the brain, the majority occur along arteries connecting the brain and the base of the skull. One type of aneurysm called a saccular one is connected to an artery through a stem. It can have a short neck or a long neck.