Microsurgical Clipping for Brain Aneurysms

This image illustrates the treatment
of a ruptured aneurysm via
neurovascular clipping.

Microsurgical clipping is a technique performed whereby the blood supply to the aneurysm is clipped using a metal clip. This procedure has become the more established method of treating aneurysms. The first aneurysm ever treated by surgical clipping was performed at Johns Hopkins Hospital by Dr Walter Dandy on March 23, 1937.

How is microsurgical clipping performed?

During microsurgical clipping, a small metal clip is used to stop blood flow into the aneurysm. A craniotomy is performed to create an opening in the skull to reach the aneurysm in the brain. The clip is placed on the neck (opening) of the aneurysm to obstruct the flow of blood, and remains inside the brain.

Microsurgical exposure of a left basilar artery/superior cerebellar artery aneurysm. The aneurysm is seen next to the oculomotor nerve.

Magnified view of the aneurysm.

A microclip has been applied to the aneurysm

Treating aneurysms at Johns Hopkins

The Johns Hopkins Cerebrovascular Team evaluates each aneurysm patient to decide the best singular therapy or treatment combination for the patient’s specific case.

Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon, Dr Alex Coon, is dually trained in endovascular and open microsurgical techniques. Hear a podcast from Dr Coon describing the differences between endovascular and cerebrovascular surgery.

To request an appointment or refer a patient, please contact the Johns Hopkins Aneurysm Center at 410-614-1533.