Surgical Clipping

During surgical clipping, our neurosurgeons cut off the blood supply to an aneurysm by placing a tiny metal pin, usually made of titanium — the medical equivalent of a clothespin or bobby pin.

Learn more about the symptoms of an aneurysm and our diagnostic approach.

Surgical Clipping at St. Joseph’s Hospital

While clipping is an older technique, it is still effective at treating aneurysms before they rupture, or once they have. Our Neurosurgery Program offers experience with surgical clipping. Other features of our program include:

• Careful deliberation: Our experienced neurosurgeons work with you to determine the most appropriate aneurysm treatment. Instead of a clipping, they might recommend a newer procedure called endovascular embolization.
• Individualized care: Aneurysm clips come in all shapes and sizes — we pick the one that is right for you.
• Team approach: Our neurosurgeons partner with experienced interventional radiologists to deliver the best possible care.

Surgical Clipping: What to Expect

During surgical clipping, our neurosurgeons take several steps to make sure the aneurysm is safely and completely treated:

• You receive general anesthesia to put you completely to sleep.
• We make a temporary incision (craniotomy) in the skull.
• Using a microscope, your neurosurgeon locates the aneurysm, carefully working around brain tissue.
• The aneurysm is pulled away from healthy blood vessels.
• Your surgeon places the clip at the neck of the aneurysm and clamps its “jaws” shut, cutting off blood supply and eventually shrinking the aneurysm.
• You recover in the hospital for several days if treated for an aneurysm before it ruptures. Those getting a clipping after that happens require a longer stay.

Contact Us

For more information or for a physician referral, please call (813) 644-4322.