A brain aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. A brain aneurysm can leak or rupture, causing bleeding into the brain (hemorrhagic stroke). Most often a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. This type of hemorrhagic stoke is called a subarachnoid hemorrhage.
A ruptured aneurysm is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Most brain aneurysms, do not rupture, create health problems or cause symptoms. These aneurysms are often detected during tests for other conditions.
With advancements throughout the neurosurgical/neurological and endovascular fields, there are more effective and less invasive treatment options for patients, who in years past would have had inoperable aneurysms. Decisions regarding management of an unruptured brain aneurysm are based on the careful comparison of the short and long term risks of aneurysmal rupture, compared to the risk of intervention whether surgical or endovascular.
If an aneurysm is detected but has not ruptured, either treatment or observation will be recommended. Once an aneurysm ruptures, treatment options will either be open surgery or endovascular approach. Intervention is recommended as early as possible after hemorrhage, to prevent re-bleed of the aneurysm. The treatment goal is to prevent rebleeding by sealing off the aneurysm completely.
Your physician will consider the following factors when deciding which treatment option is best.
is a procedure to close off an aneurysm. The neurosurgeon removes a section of the skull to access the aneurysm and locates the blood vessels that feed the aneurysm. Then a tiny metal clip is placed on the neck of the aneurysm to prevent blood flow.
uses the natural access to the brain through the bloodstream via arteries to treat brain aneurysms. The goal of the treatment is to safely seal off the aneurysm and stop further blood from entering into the aneurysm and increasing the risk of rupture or possible re-bleed.
During endovascular coiling, a catheter is passed through the groin up into the artery containing the aneurysm. Platinum coils are then released. The body responds by forming clots around the coil, limiting blood flow within the aneurysm and reducing the risk of rupture or re-rupture.
The coils used in this procedure are made of soft platinum metal, and are shaped like a spring. The coils are very small and thin, ranging in size from about twice the width of a human hair to less than one hair’s width.
Many aneurysms that are amenable to surgery for clipping can also be considered for coiling. In some patients, because of advanced age, serious medical problems or other factors that increase the risk of brain surgery, coiling is the preferred treatment.
is used in combination with endovascular coiling to treat aneurysms. During balloon remodeling a small balloon is threaded through your blood vessels to the base of the aneurysm, which is also called the neck. The balloon creates a scaffold and allows the coils to stay within the aneurysm. The coils fortify the walls of the aneurysm, reducing the chance of rupture. After the protective coils have been placed, the balloon and catheter are removed.
is used to treat people with aneurysms that have a complex shape. The stent is a metal tube that provides structural support enabling the protective coils to better strengthen the site of the aneurysm so it does not burst.
When a stent is used to treat brain aneurysms, the doctor inserts a catheter into an artery and threads it through the body to the site of the aneurysm. Using a guide wire, detachable coils are passed through the catheter and released into the aneurysm. The coils fill the aneurysm; block it from circulation, and cause the blood to clot, which obliterates the aneurysm. The stent is placed to stabilize the artery either before or after the coil placement to serve as a scaffold or barrier to prevent the coils form protruding back into the parent (main) blood vessel.
is a breakthrough and potentially life-saving treatment for patients with brain aneurysms. The PED is designed to treat aneurysms that were once considered inoperable. This minimally invasive therapy remodels the parent artery using a flexible structure that conforms to the ruptured vessel.
Using a technique known as flow diversion, the physician can treat large or giant wide-necked brain aneurysms by placing the Pipeline Embolization Device into the parent blood vessel rather than in the aneurysm sac. The Pipeline Device restores original natural blood circulation while providing permanent long-term sealing to the affected area.
During the procedure, the Pipeline Device is implanted across the aneurysm neck. The open wire mesh scaffolding-structured design of the device slows the flow of blood into the aneurysm, which allows for the diseased vessel to heal. Eventually, during the healing process, the aneurysm will be reabsorbed by the body.
These minimally invasive technique allows patients to heal quicker and return home sooner.
Recovery for patients who receive endovascular treatment for an unruptured aneurysm is very quick. The majority of patients will go home the following morning and resume normal activities in a week.
Recovery from surgical treatment or rupture may take weeks to months.
Recovery from a ruptured brain aneurysm is influenced by many factors. The most important consideration is the patient’s clinical condition on admission based on the extent of the initial hemorrhage.
If you have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm and are exploring your options for treatment, call IVC today at 503-612-0498 to schedule an appointment for consultation.
* This information about Brain Aneurysm Treatment was reviewed by Dr. Jason R. Bauer. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the form below.
Dr Jason Bauer performed our 20 year old son’s kidney biopsy last week. I have had a lot of experience with medical care. Dr Bauer has moved to the top five of all doctors we have encountered. He has taught us more about our son’s medical condition than any other doctor has since March 2019! I just kept wanting to ask him more questions 😄. I felt super confident that our son was getting the best care he could when I let him go into the procedure. Dr Bauer’s skill, knowledge and ability to translate it into lay peoples terms far exceeded FIVE STARS and our expectations. He also related to our young adult son well which put him at ease.
A.R.Wonderful nurse, did a good job. I am thrilled and excited. (EVLT Patient)
C.W.If I have to have another drain ever I will come to IVC. Everyone is so great there.
P.P.Your office has done a great job at follow up.
E.M.You all are so nice. Thank you for being there. Your facility is so great. So happy not to have to go to the hospital for this.
P.A.You all were wonderful. My experience started with the pre-procedure call – where comfort, trust and confidence was gained. Mary Anne is an asset. Thanks to Vicky, Paul and Dr. Pfister for their true care & concern.
M.I.Thank you all, the team was great to work with. I appreciate your care.
C.D.Your team is exemplary. This leads to outstanding results. Thank you for being great!
I.S.Everyone at the oncology clinic said how great the port looked today!
S.V.M.Thank you for the time you spent with me today on the phone. You made a big difference. More than I can express. You have given me hope, calmed my anxiety and informed me. I was getting confused by all of the different instructions and restrictions by others.
R.M.You made this painless. Your team works together well. Thank you. I feel better already!
M.R.Best doctors in town! Dr. Zhang speaks fluent Mandarin which was very helpful to my uncle!
A.C.You guys were so AWESOME! Thank you for making this scary procedure go smooth and making me comfortable. You all are great.
C.P.I am a medical oncologist who has been referring my patients to the physicians at IVC for 8 years now. In my career, I have never worked with a more dedicated, thorough, humane, and technically superb group of physicians. I have received countless words of positive feedback from my patients echoing the above sentiments.
More recently, I have been a patient with Dr. Michael Pfister. Dr. Pfister is an outstanding interventionalist, who brings a warm bedside manner to his interactions. He is the “whole package,” providing both technical savvy as well as kindness. As a patient, I could not ask for more.
I.S.I’ve been a pt of Dr. Pfisters for over 10yrs, during which time he has performed 5+ procedures. As a medical professional myself, I have an exceptionally high expectation of the quality of care I receive, as well…and JUST AS IMPORTANT…the attitude and respect my Dr’s and healthcare team provide! Dr. Pfister and the staff on his team get AA+++ from me!!!!! He is kind, respectful, informative AND an EXCEPTIONALLY skilled interventional radiologist!!! I won’t EVER trust anyone else!!!
P.R.From the time I first spoke to Maryanne who was so kind, and walked thru your doors with friendly smiles to greet me – meeting Patty who was so kind and caring and meeting Dr. Love – great bedside manner and smile and made sure all my questions were answered – and having the port placed with an excellent team – Paul asking me what my hobbies were first thing – I knew I was in the right place! Thank you all, you all are amazing!
AnonymousOne of our best medical experiences during our entire cancer treatment. Thanks so much for everything!
AnonymousThis is for Dr. Pfister. I just wanted to thank him for all the time he spent with us the other week. In all the years I’ve had my vascular problems I’ve never had a doctor really sit down and explain to me the intricacies of what might be going on. I have a lot to think about…but just wanted to say thanks for being so nice and answering our many questions!
L.H.A fantastic group of wonderful people. The procedure was very smooth. When they were putting the port in I felt like I was getting a great massage!! Thank you all!
S.C.Charley was instrumental in getting me scheduled in quickly to get my PICC line removed. She actually worked until late in the day to get the information from my referring doctor’s office. It is nice to know great people like Charley still exist in this world!
K.S.I had my blood clot filter removed on 2/21/18. I was very apprehensive, yet EVERYONE in Dr. Pfister’s office and surgical team helped to make me comfortable. I am extremely claustrophobic so laying down or having something covering my face creates anxiety. Mary Anne listened to my concerns and made sure I was made comfortable and did not feel anxious. The surgical team was amazing, they explained everything thoroughly. Dr. Pfister came in after the procedure to review what he did and discuss any follow up that might be required. I so appreciate the time and attention he gives me as his patient. This was a positive experience.
G.H.110% Thank You! Best unit so far in my cancer treatment. Thanks Dr. Love
AnonymousIf you ever need an Interventional Radiologist for a child I realize it is serious business. I’ve seen Dr. Love go and save a child’s kidney without missing a beat. I could recommend no one better for myself, or for people I love. I think he is a little cool at the bedside, but that’s OK Dr. Love, stay frosty! If you can’t see Dr. Love, one of the other professionals at IVC will be able to help you. Ashley, the dynamite scheduler and one of the other surgeons at IVC will care for you. I’ve had multiple surgeries with this practice over the past several years. Never a hiccup!
S. R. – Portland, ORGreat experience, doctor was thorough in explaining what was going to happen. The nurses were very attentive and made sure I was comfortable and my needs were met. I would recommend this office for any related procedure.
AnonymousEverything went very smoothly. Joe enjoyed the music. Very friendly staff! Good Experience!
J. & E.All staff was courteous and efficient. Good experience.
J. J.Dr. Pfister, thanks so much for your excellent care, removing my chemo port earlier this week. With all your experience and your fine touch, I’m confident the scar will be nearly invisible. Your team, from beginning to end, did a super job with me. Please extend my gratitude to Jennifer, Mary Anne, Todd and Charley. I’ve got a whole lot of living left to do. I appreciate all of you helping me do it!
M. F.Dr. Pfister, thank you for all of the attention you gave to me. I learned lots from our discussion – hearing you speak of ultimate healing was enough to encourage me to do all I can to strengthen those muscles.
S. O.The entire office is one of the most professional, helpful and informative medical offices I have dealt with (and I have dealt with many). Kudos to Jennifer, Henry, and Charley!
K. C.Great people. Great place. Good surgery.
G. G.Patty, Mary Anne and the whole staff was amazing! Best experience I’ve had since being diagnosed with cancer. From start to finish, was great. Thanks.
MMy brother came into Legacy Meridian Park, had a stroke. Dr. Bauer came in immediately, in his work jeans and shirt. He worked with Neurologist Dr. Burbank, developed a plan and took my brother into a procedure where they removed the clot from his head! Very down to earth doctor, explained procedure to family, worked with sense of urgency.
J. P.I want to comment regarding Dr. Bauer of how he was thorough explaining my CT Biopsy and showing me how on the computer he would get the tissue needed. In all the years of several surgeries I have never felt better going in to have a procedure done. His bedside manner was incredible. I wish all doctors were like Dr. Bauer. Thank you for preparing and relaxing me prior to the biopsy.
R.S. Molalla OREveryone did a superb job taking care of me and doing the procedure. Thank You All
K.S.Dr. Bauer genuinely cares about his patients and strives to make sure they understand every aspect of their treatment.
A.L.Dr. Bauer, our family wants you to know how thankful we are to you for saving G.P.’s life and bringing him back to us in normal health. Thank you over and over you are the best!
Family of G. P.
We are announcing that Interventional and Vascular Consultants will be closing as of March 10, 2023.
We would like to thank you for the trust you have given us over the years, participating in your healthcare needs has been a privilege.
To assist in a smooth transition to a new provider, you may access your records from your MyHealth account or request a copy of medical records by clicking the link below and completing the Release of Information form.
Please know that we have greatly valued our relationship with you and wish you the best.
Sincerely,
Jason Bauer, MD RVT
Michael Pfister, MD RVT
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