Aneurysm Coiling, also known as Endovascular Coiling, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat cerebral aneurysms—bulging, weakened areas in the walls of brain arteries. If left untreated, these aneurysms can rupture, leading to subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain damage, or even death.
At CARE CHL Hospital, Indore, Dr. Alok K. Udiya, a distinguished Interventional Neuroradiologist, performs this advanced technique with precision, offering patients a safer alternative to open brain surgery. The procedure is conducted through a small puncture in the groin or wrist, using catheters and platinum coils to seal off the aneurysm from within the blood vessel, thus preventing rupture.
With the increasing prevalence of brain aneurysms, particularly in patients with hypertension, family history, or trauma, early diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial. Our neurointervention team ensures comprehensive pre-treatment imaging, expert procedure execution, and post-treatment monitoring, all in one center of excellence.
Key Benefits of Aneurysm Coiling
Aneurysm coiling is a game-changing alternative to open craniotomy (clipping) for eligible aneurysms. Its benefits include:
- Minimally Invasive: No need to open the skull; the procedure is done via catheter.
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Most patients can go home within 2–3 days.
- Faster Recovery: Return to normal activities is quicker than traditional surgery.
- Lower Risk of Infection: Since there is no major incision, infection risk is minimized.
- Ideal for Deep Aneurysms: Particularly effective for aneurysms located deep within the brain.
- Multiple Aneurysms Treated Simultaneously: Can be used to treat more than one aneurysm in a single session.
- Customizable: Coil size and quantity can be tailored to fit the aneurysm’s shape and size.
- Proven Efficacy: Supported by decades of international clinical trials and neurology guidelines.
How This Treatment Works
Aneurysm Coiling is performed in a state-of-the-art neuroangiography suite under real-time imaging. The procedure includes the following stages:
1. Diagnosis & Planning
The process begins with high-resolution imaging, such as:
- Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
- Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA)
This determines the aneurysm’s size, neck width, location, and rupture status. Based on these parameters, Dr. Alok and his team determine the best strategy—whether standalone coiling or with adjunctive techniques like balloon remodeling or stent-assisted coiling.
2. Procedure Steps
- A catheter is inserted into the femoral or radial artery.
- Guided under fluoroscopy, the catheter is navigated to the arteries of the brain.
- A microcatheter is advanced into the aneurysm sac.
- Soft platinum coils are carefully deployed into the aneurysm.
- These coils induce clot formation inside the aneurysm, sealing it off from blood circulation.
- If needed, a balloon or stent may be used to assist in packing the coils in wide-neck aneurysms.
3. Post-Procedure Monitoring
- The patient is kept under observation in a neurology ICU for 24–48 hours.
- Imaging is done post-procedure to confirm closure of the aneurysm.
- Most patients are discharged within 3–5 days and followed up at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year with MRI/MRA or DSA.
Why Choose Dr. Alok K. Udiya at CARE CHL Hospital?
Experience and precision are vital in treating brain aneurysms. Here’s why Dr. Alok K. Udiya is the preferred choice for patients and referring neurologists alike:
- Over 15 years of experience in interventional neuroradiology
- Performed hundreds of successful aneurysm coilings
- Specialized in treating complex and wide-neck aneurysms
- Access to state-of-the-art biplane DSA suite
- Expertise in stent-assisted and balloon-assisted coiling
- Works in close collaboration with neurosurgeons and critical care specialists
- Proven success with ruptured and unruptured aneurysms
Dr. Alok’s combination of technical expertise and patient-centered care ensures maximum safety, minimal complications, and better long-term outcomes.
FAQs – Aneurysm Coiling
Q1. What is a brain aneurysm?
A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of an artery in the brain. If it ruptures, it can cause bleeding into the brain, known as hemorrhagic stroke.
Q2. How do I know if I need aneurysm coiling?
Coiling is recommended for both ruptured aneurysms (emergency setting) and unruptured aneurysms (elective setting) that carry a high risk of rupture based on their size, location, and shape.
Q3. Is coiling a permanent solution?
Yes, in most cases. The goal is to seal the aneurysm permanently. However, follow-up imaging is essential to ensure the coils remain in place and the aneurysm is fully occluded.
Q4. What is the recovery time after aneurysm coiling?
Most patients recover within a few days to weeks. Return to light work is often possible within 1–2 weeks, depending on the condition of the aneurysm and the patient’s general health.
Q5. Is the procedure painful?
No. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Patients usually feel no discomfort during the coiling.
Q6. Are there any risks involved?
While coiling is generally safe, potential risks include:
- Minor bleeding at the catheter site
- Recanalization (reopening) of the aneurysm
- Rare chance of stroke due to clot formation
- Reaction to contrast dye
Q7. What is the success rate of aneurysm coiling?
Success rates are high. Over 90% of aneurysms can be successfully treated with coiling, especially when performed by experienced neurointerventionalists like Dr. Alok.
Q8. How long do the coils last?
Platinum coils are biocompatible and remain in the aneurysm permanently. They do not dissolve or move.
Q9. Can I live normally after coiling?
Yes. Most patients return to a normal life with regular follow-up scans. Avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure, and managing cholesterol are important preventive steps.
Q10. What is the difference between coiling and clipping?
Clipping is an open surgical method to close an aneurysm, whereas coiling is done through the blood vessels without opening the skull. Coiling is less invasive and has a shorter recovery time, but may not be suitable for all types of aneurysms.