What is coiling? It’s a non-invasive way to repair a brain aneurysm. Instead of open brain surgery where the skull is cut open, tiny, microscopic platinum wires are inserted into the brain aneurysm via the main artery via the groin. An incision is made in the groin under moderate anesthesia and the neurointerventionalist (radiology doctor) proceeds with pushing wires from the groin into the brain. The procedure is typically held in radiology.
It is not without risks, especially if your brain aneurysm has ruptured, but the procedure has saved many lives. Including my own! I had 16 coils inserted in my ruptured brain aneurysm in 2006. In 2011, I had four more placed into the same brain aneurysm for a grand total of 20! It was a relatively large aneurysm at 11 mm, or about 1/2 inch in diameter.
Read more about coiling on the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Heidi's Brain Blog 