Neurointervention & Aneurysm Embolization: What to Expect

This page will guide you through the entire process of the neurointerventional procedure of an aneurysm embolization, including medications and anesthesia, as well as what happens during and after the procedure. We want to make sure you know what to expect at each step of your procedure so that your experience is as safe and comfortable as possible.

Understanding the Procedure

Aneurysm embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that accesses the arteries in the brain through catheters to treat aneurysms from within. If applicable, Dr. Yim will deploy the appropriate coiling technique for your aneurysm:

Primary coiling (no stent)
Stent-assisted coiling
Flow diverters
WEB embolization device

Each technique is meant to prevent rupturing or regrowing the aneurysm while providing blood flow to surrounding vessels, if possible.

Day of the Procedure

You will check in through the pre-operative area.
You will meet with Dr. Yim or one of his advanced practice providers.
You will also have a meeting with the anesthesiologist, who will talk to you about the best anesthesia option for your case.
An IV will be placed and any last labs and safety checks will be completed.

Anesthesia

The anesthetic plan depends on the complexity of the intervention:

Conscious Sedation: For simpler cases; you are relaxed and breathing on your own.
General Anesthesia: For more complex procedures; you are asleep and intubated.

In most circumstances, the anesthesia is initiated once you are in the angiography suite.

The Procedure

Dr. Yim does the procedure leveraging a catheter based minimally invasive approach which is usually through the right wrist with the snuffbox access. If necessary, other access locations may be utilized.

The procedure is performed in the biplane angiography suite with all the assistance of a complete team including anesthesia, nurses, and technicians.

After the Procedure

You will be cared for in the Neuro ICU by a neurocritical care intensivist who is trained in a fellowship program in neurocritical care.
Dr. Yim personally calls your family immediately after your procedure to call your family to explain how the procedure went.
He typically visits you in the ICU along with your family unless he is called to a patient in a different part of the hospital.

Most patients are transferred from the ICU to an inpatient unit or get discharged the next day. If you or your family feel safer staying an extra night just for monitoring, that is fine.

Discharge & Home Care

There are no substantial activity limitations after you are discharged unless it has been communicated otherwise.
If you are prescribed Aspirin and Brilinta, the key is to continue both medications as directed.
You will receive safe and simple instructions and follow-up plans before going home