We continue to be amazed something so SMALL can play such a BIG part in saving so many lives, including our committee member and survivor, Heidi.
Clipping is one of several methods of treating a ruptured brain aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge of an artery wall). As an aneurysm grows it can become so thin that it leaks or ruptures, releasing blood into the spaces around the brain and becomes a life threatening medical emergency.
The goal of surgical clipping is to isolate an aneurysm from the normal circulation without blocking off any small arteries nearby. Under general anesthesia, an opening is made in the skull, called a craniotomy. The brain is gently retracted to locate the aneurysm. A small clip is placed across the base, or neck, of the aneurysm to block the normal blood flow from entering. The clip works like a tiny coil-spring clothespin, in which the blades of the clip remain tightly closed until pressure is applied to open the blades. Clips are made of titanium and remain on the artery permanently.