Treatments

Thrombectomy and Cerebral Aneurysm Repair

What is a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair?

A thrombectomy in Singapore can be described as a procedure to address a blood clot in the blood vessel. An aneurysm, on the other hand, is an irregular bulge or ballooning of the blood vessel. Thus, a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair is a surgical treatment employed to treat blood clots (thrombus) present in or near the wall of an artery in the brain. 

Thrombectomy
A thrombectomy is a surgical procedure that addresses the formation of blood clots in the brain. 

There are two methods of a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair, these are: 

  • Endovascular coiling: comparatively less invasive, this procedure entaild manoeuvring a catheter up to the aneurysm and placing a stent to redirect blood flow. 
  • Surgical clipping: clip inserted at the base of the bulging vessel to prevent rupture during a craniotomy

How does a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair work?

The procedure employed during thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair depends on the specific method your neurosurgeon in Singapore chooses to execute. The table below details briefly the mechanisms of each method: 

Treatment MethodDescriptionBenefitsConsiderations
Surgical ClippingInvolves opening the skull. Placement of a tiny metal clip at the base of the aneurysm.Prevents blood flow into the aneurysm, reducing the risk of rupture. Established success in treatment.More invasive procedure.
Endovascular CoilingMinimally invasive approach. May require awake brain surgery. A catheter is threaded through the artery to manoeuvre tiny platinum coils to the aneurysm. The coiled aneurysm becomes clotted off, allowing for embolisation (subsequently preventing rupture).Less invasive, with no need for a skull opening. Effective in sealing off the aneurysm.Suitability depends on various factors, including aneurysm characteristics. Requires expertise.
Endovascular coiling
Endovascular coiling prevents blood from flowing to an aneurysm, successively preventing rupture and haemorrhage. 

In both methods, patients will be placed under general anaesthesia, ensuring minimal discomfort and a painless experience. After the procedure, patients will have to stay in hospital for up to a week for observation and to monitor recovery. 

Benefits of a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair

  • Salvages structural integrity of the brain 
  • Prevents rupture
  • Prevents brain damage 
  • Reduces progression of neurological deficiencies 
  • Reduces the likelihood of long-term disability

What conditions can a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair treat?

A thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair specifically manages conditions pertaining to blood clot formations, such as: 

If you have any of the conditions listed above, make an appointment with Chou Neuroscience Clinic for customised treatment.

Stroke thrombectomy
Thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair are often employed for stroke patients.

What results can I expect from a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair in Singapore?

More often than not, a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair in Singapore are conducted in stroke patients. In these situations, the procedure will prevent permanent disabilities such as coma and even death. 

In situations where blood clots are detected during a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography scan (CT scan) , a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair will be recommended as a means of preventing devastating outcomes.

A thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair is, with no exaggeration, a life-saving procedure. If blood clot formations are detected in the early stages, one can expect a reduction in symptoms such as chronic headaches, recovery of physical impediments, vision distortion, and reduction in seizures. 

How many thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair sessions are necessary?

Ideally, a thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair are conducted as a one-off treatment. However, there is a likelihood of patients having recurring aneurysms, strokes, or regrowth of coiled aneurysms. In the hands of an expert neurosurgeon, a detailed treatment plan will be made to ensure patients obtain the best treatment, improving their quality of life. 

If suspected of chances of recurring blood clots, you will be guided on changes in lifestyle and preventative measures. You may also be recommended to visit our clinic to monitor the progression of the blood clot formation closely. 

Frequently asked questions  

When is a thrombectomy needed for a stroke?

This procedure is conducted 6-24 hours after a stroke has occurred. A thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair may not be recommended if bleeding is present. Instead, a craniotomy (link to service page) would be necessary. Your neurosurgeon will weigh patients' eligibility for thrombectomy and cerebral aneurysm repair.

Is it possible to not have symptoms with aneurysm?

Many patients are asymptomatic, and in such cases, blood clots are detected during an MRI or CT scan. In asymptomatic cases, your neurosurgeon will decide if immediate intervention is necessary or if closely monitoring the progression will suffice for the time being. A critical risk-benefit analysis will be conducted. 

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Copyright © 2023 Chou Neuroscience Clinic. All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2023 Chou Neuroscience Clinic. All Rights Reserved
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