What is microsurgical clipping?

Microsurgical clipping is a technique that cuts off the blood supply to a brain aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing or to control bleeding if a rupture has already occurred.

The first surgical clipping for cerebral aneurysm was performed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital by Dr. Walter Dandy on March 23, 1937. This procedure has become an established method of treating aneurysms.

How is microsurgical clipping performed?

A craniotomy is performed to create an opening in the skull to reach the aneurysm in the brain. The neurosurgeon places a small metal clip on the neck (opening) of the aneurysm to obstruct the flow of blood. The clip remains in place on the blood vessel inside the brain.