What is Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling ?

.

Why do you need Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling?

These procedures are indicated for:

  • Unruptured aneurysms: Often asymptomatic but treated if large (>7 mm), causing symptoms (e.g., headaches, vision issues), or at high rupture risk (e.g., family history, smoking).
  • Ruptured aneurysms: Causing SAH, with symptoms like sudden severe headache, nausea, seizures, or loss of consciousness; requires urgent treatment.
  • Specific locations: Aneurysms in the anterior or posterior circulation (e.g., anterior communicating artery, middle cerebral artery).

Clipping is more durable long-term but invasive, while coiling is less invasive but may require retreatment. The choice depends on aneurysm size, location, neck geometry, patient age, health, and surgeon expertise

Why Do Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling Costs Vary in Philippines?

.

Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Imaging: CT angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or cerebral angiogram (gold standard) to locate and assess the aneurysm.
      • Symptoms: Ruptured aneurysms present with sudden headache, neck stiffness, or neurological deficits; unruptured ones may be found incidentally.
      • Blood tests ensure fitness for surgery (e.g., coagulation, hemoglobin).
    • Stabilization: For ruptured aneurysms, blood pressure control (e.g., labetalol) and seizure prophylaxis (e.g., levetiracetam) are initiated.
    • Consent: Risks, including bleeding or stroke, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Aneurysm Clipping:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–5 hours.
      • A craniotomy (skull incision, typically 5–10 cm) exposes the brain.
      • The brain is gently retracted, and the aneurysm is located using a microscope.
      • A titanium clip is placed across the aneurysm’s neck, stopping blood flow into the sac while preserving the parent artery.
      • Intraoperative angiography ensures proper clip placement and vessel patency.
      • The skull is closed with plates/screws, and the scalp is sutured.
    • Endovascular Coiling:
      • Performed under general or local anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.
      • A catheter is inserted via the femoral artery (groin) and guided to the brain using fluoroscopy (X-ray).
      • Platinum coils are deployed into the aneurysm, filling it and inducing clotting to block blood flow.
      • Additional devices (e.g., stents, flow diverters) may be used for wide-necked aneurysms.
      • The catheter is removed, and the groin incision is closed.
  • After Surgery:
    1. Clipping: ICU monitoring for 1–3 days; hospital stay of 4–7 days (unruptured) or 1–3 weeks (ruptured).
    2. Coiling: Shorter stay; often discharged in 1–3 days (unruptured) or 1–2 weeks (ruptured).
    3. Pain management: IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).
    4. Monitoring: For vasospasm (common 3–14 days post-rupture), managed with nimodipine or induced hypertension.
    5. Anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin) may be prescribed post-coiling to prevent clotting.

Recovery After Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling

  1. Hospital Stay: Clipping: 4–7 days (unruptured), 1–3 weeks (ruptured); Coiling: 1–3 days (unruptured), 1–2 weeks (ruptured).
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain: Clipping causes more discomfort (1–2 weeks); coiling less (3–7 days), managed with analgesics.
    • Activity: Clipping: Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks; coiling: 2–4 weeks.
    • Coiling patients may need blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) for weeks/months.
    • Follow-up angiograms (coiling) at 6 months, 1 year to check for recurrence.
  3. Diet: Start with liquids, progress to a normal diet; avoid alcohol/smoking to reduce vasospasm risk.
  4. Follow-Up:
    • Clipping: Check incision at 1–2 weeks; imaging rarely needed unless symptoms recur.
    • Coiling: Regular angiograms (6 months, 1–2 years) due to higher recurrence risk (10–20%).

Most resume normal activities in 3–6 weeks (coiling) or 6–12 weeks (clipping). Success rates are high (90–95% for clipping, 80–90% for coiling), but coiling has a higher retreatment rate.

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Clipping: Bleeding (3–5%), infection (1–3%), brain injury (2–5%).
    • Coiling: Vessel perforation (1–3%), clot formation (2–5%), coil migration (rare).
  • Post-Surgical Complications:
    • Clipping: Higher morbidity (e.g., neurological deficits, 5–10%); vasospasm (30% post-rupture).
    • Coiling: Higher recurrence (10–20%); rebleeding (1–2%).
    • Both: Hydrocephalus (5–10%), seizures (2–5%).
  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, stroke (2–5%), death (ruptured cases, 40% if untreated).
  • Long-Term: Clipping: Cognitive deficits (esp. >50 years); Coiling: Need for retreatment.

Report fever, severe headache, or neurological changes promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a brain aneurysm?

Risk factors include genetics, hypertension, smoking, and conditions like polycystic kidney disease.

Can an aneurysm heal without surgery?

No, most require intervention; small, asymptomatic aneurysms (<5 mm) may be monitored.

Is clipping or coiling better?

Clipping is more durable (lower recurrence, 1–5%) but invasive; coiling is less invasive but has a higher retreatment rate (10–20%).

How soon can I resume activities?

Coiling: 3–6 weeks; Clipping: 6–12 weeks.

Are these procedures covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for symptomatic/ruptured aneurysms; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Severe headache, seizures, weakness, or vision changes.

Can an aneurysm recur after treatment?

Clipping: 1–5% risk; Coiling: 10–20% risk, often requiring retreatment.

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Quit smoking, manage blood pressure, avoid heavy lifting, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

What are Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling?

Aneurysm clipping and coiling are procedures to treat a brain aneurysm, a weakened, bulging area in a brain artery wall that risks rupturing, potentially causing a life-threatening subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Clipping involves surgically placing a metal clip at the aneurysm’s base to block blood flow, while coiling uses a catheter to insert platinum coils into the aneurysm, inducing clotting to seal it off. In the Philippines, these procedures are performed in neurosurgery departments at hospitals like St. Luke’s Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, and Philippine General Hospital (PGH), offering advanced care at relatively affordable costs compared to Western countries. Understanding the procedures, costs, recovery, risks, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) is crucial for Filipino patients to make informed decisions.

Why Do You Need Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling?

These procedures are indicated for:

  • Unruptured Aneurysms: Often asymptomatic but treated if large (>7 mm), causing symptoms (e.g., headaches, vision issues), or at high rupture risk (e.g., family history, smoking).

  • Ruptured Aneurysms: Causing SAH, with symptoms like sudden severe headache (“thunderclap headache”), nausea, seizures, or loss of consciousness; requires urgent treatment.

  • Specific Locations: Aneurysms in the anterior or posterior circulation (e.g., anterior communicating artery, middle cerebral artery).

  • Patient Factors: Clipping is more durable long-term but invasive, preferred for younger patients or wide-necked aneurysms. Coiling is less invasive but may require retreatment, suitable for older patients or posterior circulation aneurysms.

The choice depends on aneurysm size, location, neck geometry, patient age, health, and surgeon expertise. The procedures aim to prevent rupture or re-rupture, restore normal blood flow, and reduce neurological complications.

Why Do Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling Costs Vary in the Philippines?

Costs range from ₱300,000 to ₱1,500,000 for clipping and ₱400,000 to ₱1,200,000 for coiling, based on:

  • Procedure Type:

    • Clipping: ₱300,000–₱1,500,000, varies with craniotomy complexity and intraoperative tools.

    • Coiling: ₱400,000–₱1,200,000, costlier due to platinum coils and stents.

  • Hospital/Location: Higher costs in Metro Manila hospitals (e.g., St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center: ₱500,000–₱1,500,000); lower in public hospitals like PGH (₱100,000–₱400,000, often subsidized by PhilHealth or Z Benefit Package).

  • Surgeon’s Expertise: Experienced neurosurgeons charge higher fees.

  • Additional Costs: ICU stay (₱20,000–₱50,000/day), imaging (CT angiography: ₱10,000–₱30,000; cerebral angiogram: ₱50,000–₱100,000), coils/stents (₱100,000–₱300,000), medications (₱10,000–₱30,000), follow-up angiograms (coiling).

  • Insurance: PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱50,000–₱200,000 depending on case type); private insurance may cover additional costs for symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms. Confirm with your provider.

Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling Procedures

Before Procedure Evaluation:
  • Diagnosis:

    • Imaging: CT angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or cerebral angiogram (gold standard) to locate and assess the aneurysm’s size, shape, and neck.

    • Symptoms: Ruptured aneurysms present with sudden severe headache, neck stiffness, or neurological deficits; unruptured ones may be found incidentally (e.g., during imaging for other reasons).

    • Blood Tests: Ensure fitness for surgery (e.g., coagulation, hemoglobin).

  • Preparation: For ruptured aneurysms, blood pressure control (e.g., labetalol) and seizure prophylaxis (e.g., levetiracetam) are initiated. Consent includes discussion of risks like bleeding or stroke.

Surgical Techniques:
  1. Aneurysm Clipping:

    • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 3–5 hours.

    • A craniotomy (skull incision, typically 5–10 cm) exposes the brain.

    • The brain is gently retracted, and the aneurysm is located using an operating microscope.

    • A titanium clip is placed across the aneurysm’s neck, stopping blood flow into the sac while preserving the parent artery.

    • Intraoperative angiography ensures proper clip placement and vessel patency.

    • The skull is closed with plates/screws, and the scalp is sutured.

  2. Endovascular Coiling:

    • Performed under general or local anesthesia, lasting 1–3 hours.

    • A catheter is inserted via the femoral artery (groin) and guided to the brain using fluoroscopy (X-ray).

    • Platinum coils are deployed into the aneurysm, filling it and inducing clotting to block blood flow.

    • Additional devices (e.g., stents, flow diverters) may be used for wide-necked aneurysms.

    • The catheter is removed, and the groin incision is closed.

After Procedure:
  • Clipping: ICU monitoring for 1–3 days; hospital stay of 4–7 days (unruptured) or 1–3 weeks (ruptured).

  • Coiling: Shorter stay; often discharged in 1–3 days (unruptured) or 1–2 weeks (ruptured).

  • Pain Management: IV analgesics (e.g., morphine) for 1–2 days, then oral (e.g., ibuprofen).

  • Monitoring: For vasospasm (common 3–14 days post-rupture), managed with nimodipine or induced hypertension.

  • Anticoagulants: (e.g., aspirin) may be prescribed post-coiling to prevent clotting.

Recovery After Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling

  • Hospital Stay:

    • Clipping: 4–7 days (unruptured), 1–3 weeks (ruptured).

    • Coiling: 1–3 days (unruptured), 1–2 weeks (ruptured).

  • Post-Procedure Care:

    • Pain: Clipping causes more discomfort (1–2 weeks) due to craniotomy; coiling less (3–7 days), managed with analgesics.

    • Activity:

      • Clipping: Avoid heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks; light activities in 2–3 weeks.

      • Coiling: Avoid heavy lifting for 2–4 weeks; light activities in 1–2 weeks.

    • Anticoagulants: Coiling patients may need blood thinners (e.g., aspirin) for weeks/months.

    • Diet: Start with liquids, progress to a normal diet; avoid alcohol/smoking to reduce vasospasm risk.

  • Follow-Up:

    • Clipping: Check incision at 1–2 weeks; imaging rarely needed unless symptoms recur.

    • Coiling: Regular angiograms (6 months, 1–2 years) due to higher recurrence risk (10–20%).

  • Most resume normal activities in 3–6 weeks (coiling) or 6–12 weeks (clipping). Success rates: 90–95% for clipping (lower recurrence, 1–5%), 80–90% for coiling (higher retreatment rate, 10–20%).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:

    • Clipping: Bleeding (3–5%), infection (1–3%), brain injury (2–5%).

    • Coiling: Vessel perforation (1–3%), clot formation (2–5%), coil migration (rare).

  • Post-Surgical Complications:

    • Clipping: Higher morbidity (e.g., neurological deficits, 5–10%); vasospasm (30% post-rupture).

    • Coiling: Higher recurrence (10–20%); rebleeding (1–2%).

    • Both: Hydrocephalus (5–10%), seizures (2–5%).

  • General Risks: Anesthesia reactions, stroke (2–5%), death (ruptured cases, 40% if untreated).

  • Long-Term:

    • Clipping: Cognitive deficits (especially in patients >50 years).

    • Coiling: Need for retreatment due to incomplete occlusion.

  • Report fever, severe headache, seizures, weakness, or vision changes promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes a brain aneurysm?
Risk factors include genetics, hypertension, smoking, and conditions like polycystic kidney disease.

Can an aneurysm heal without surgery?
No, most require intervention; small, asymptomatic aneurysms (<5 mm) may be monitored with imaging.

Is clipping or coiling better?
Clipping is more durable (lower recurrence, 1–5%) but invasive; coiling is less invasive but has a higher retreatment rate (10–20%). The choice depends on aneurysm and patient factors.

How soon can I resume activities?
Coiling: 3–6 weeks; Clipping: 6–12 weeks.

Are these procedures covered by insurance in the Philippines?
PhilHealth covers part (e.g., ₱50,000–₱200,000); private insurance may cover additional costs for symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms. Confirm with your provider.

What are the signs of complications?
Severe headache, seizures, weakness, or vision changes require immediate attention.

Can an aneurysm recur after treatment?
Clipping: 1–5% risk; Coiling: 10–20% risk, often requiring retreatment.

What lifestyle changes are needed post-surgery?
Quit smoking, manage blood pressure, avoid heavy lifting, and attend regular follow-ups.

Conclusion

Aneurysm clipping and coiling are effective treatments for brain aneurysms, with clipping offering durability and coiling providing a less invasive option. The Philippines’ top hospitals (St. Luke’s, Makati Medical Center, PGH) deliver expert care at costs ranging from ₱300,000 to ₱1,500,000 for clipping and ₱400,000 to ₱1,200,000 for coiling, often partially covered by PhilHealth or private insurance. Understanding the procedures, costs, recovery, risks, and FAQs empowers patients to make informed choices. Consult a neurosurgeon to determine the best approach for your condition.

Looking for Best Hospitals for Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
250,000
600,000
Antipolo
250,000
600,000
Bacolod
250,000
600,000
Bacoor
250,000
450,000
Baguio
250,000
600,000
Butuan
250,000
450,000
Cagayan de Oro
250,000
600,000
Caloocan
250,000
450,000
Cebu City
300,000
800,000
Dasmariñas
250,000
450,000
Davao City
300,000
800,000
General Santos
250,000
600,000
General Trias
250,000
450,000
Iligan
250,000
600,000
Iloilo City
250,000
600,000
Las Piñas
250,000
600,000
Makati
300,000
800,000
Malolos
250,000
450,000
Manila
300,000
800,000
Muntinlupa
250,000
600,000
Parañaque
250,000
600,000
Pasay
250,000
600,000
Pasig
300,000
800,000
Puerto Princesa
250,000
600,000
Quezon City
300,000
800,000
San Fernando
250,000
450,000
San Jose del Monte
250,000
450,000
Taguig
300,000
800,000
Valenzuela
250,000
450,000
Zamboanga City
250,000
600,000

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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