Intracranial aneurysms

Abstract

Saccular intracranial aneurysms are focal, abnormal outpouchings of cerebral arteries. Craniotomy and microsurgical clip ligation has traditionally been the best treatment option. Current evidence however suggests that in lesions amenable to endovascular treatment, outcomes are better than surgery, although the rates of incomplete treatment, recurrence, and rebleeding are higher. This chapter will define the pathophysiology and natural history of these lesions, briefly discuss surgical and endovascular therapies, and provide a basic description of endovascular techniques for aneurysm embolization.