Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Microvascular occlusion clamps off the artery leading to an aneurysm. This prevents bleeding and rupture. Sometimes a bypass procedure is done as well, rerouting blood vessels to healthy areas of the brain. A portion of the skull is removed (called a craniotomy) and restored during this complex, open surgery.

Reasons for Procedure

Microvascular occlusion often treats a brain aneurysm that has ruptured and caused damage to the artery.

Brain Aneurysm

GN00002_brain aneurysm.jpg
An aneurysm is a weakened blood vessel in the brain that collects blood. The bulging, blood-filled pocket can put pressure on parts of the brain, pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause symptoms or cause the blood vessel to rupture (hemorrhage).
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It will not fix damaged areas of the brain, but it can improve quality of life by stopping bleeding or preventing rupture.

Possible Complications

If you are having microvascular occlusion, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.

What to Expect

Your appointment before the surgery may include:

  • Physical exam, blood and imaging tests
  • Discussion of allergies
  • Discussion of medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal supplements
  • Discussion of recent illness or other conditions
  • Discussion of risks and benefits of treatment options

Also:

  • Imaging tests (ultrasound, CT, MRI) may be done before the procedure. Bring paperwork and scans from these tests to the hospital as directed.
  • Arrange for a ride home.
  • No food or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
  • Discuss your medicines with your doctor. You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines before your procedure. Common medicines to stop include aspirin , nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners.

You may meet the neurosurgeon performing the procedure.

Women should let their doctor know if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep. It is given through an IV (needle) in your hand or arm.

The nurses and doctors will connect you to monitors to watch your blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse during the procedure. A catheter will be inserted to collect urine.

An IV will be placed in your arm for sedation and anesthesia. The nurse will shave an area of your head.

The doctor will perform a craniotomy, removing a small section of the skull to access the brain. X-rays and microscopic viewing will help the doctor find the artery leading to the aneurysm. The doctor will clamp off the artery. A bypass procedure (re-routing blood vessels toward healthy areas of the brain) may also be done.

The section of skull is replaced and the scalp is stitched back into place.

When the procedure is done, the catheter and IV will be removed. You will need to lie still for 6-8 hours or more. You will stay in the ICU, often for a day. Your blood pressure and other vitals will be monitored closely. You may be given medicine for pain or other symptoms.

3-5 hours or more

You may feel a pinch when your IV is inserted. Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Pain or soreness after the procedure can be managed with pain medicine.

This complex procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 4-6 days. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if complications arise.

  • You will rest for several hours in the ICU.
  • Nurses will monitor your vital signs.

It will take at least 3-6 weeks to recover. When you return home, the following can help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Rest often.
  • Keep your blood pressure under control.
  • Clean the incision site as directed. Use a soft wash cloth to gently wipe the incision area and keep it dry.
  • Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.
  • Take medicine as directed.
  • Do rehabilitative therapy as directed.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Changes in physical ability—balance, strength, or movement
  • Changes to mental status—level of consciousness, memory, thinking, or responsiveness
  • Weakness, numbness, tingling
  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Headache that does not go away
  • Changes in vision
  • Fainting
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given
  • Nausea and/or vomiting that you cannot control with the medicines you were given, or that continue for more than two days after leaving the hospital
  • Trouble controlling your bladder and/or bowels

Call for medical help or go to the emergency room right away if any of the following occurs: 

  • Seizure
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Loss of consciousness

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.