DECEMBER 2014
|
The Surgical Technologist
|
547
Surgical Clipping for a
Cerebral Aneurysm
L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
s
Explain the three types of cerebral
aneurysms
s
Compare and contrast the role of the
four common diagnostics methods
used to help determine the best form
of treatment for cerebral aneurysms
s
Describe the surgical procedure that
is used to clip the aneurysm before
rupture
s
Recall the signs and symptoms of a
cerebral aneurysm before rupture
s
Review the prognosis for patients
that have surgery to treat a cerebral
aneurysm
C
erebral aneurysm is the common term for an intracranial,
intracerebral or brain aneurysm. The indication of a cerebral
aneurysm is the thin or weakened area on a blood vessel in
the brain that eventually fills with blood. The subsequent ballooning
or bulging of the blood vessel places pressure on nerves or the sur-
rounding tissue, which may cause the blood vessel to rupture or burst.
The overflow of the blood fills around the brain tissue and results in
hemorrhaging. Although locations of aneurysms may vary, many
patients experience them along a loop of arteries running between
the underside of the brain and the base of the skull.
5
Cerebral aneurysms occur in as many as 1 in 20 individu-
als throughout the world. Remarkably, most aneurysms are never
detected, and most individuals with aneurysms remain asymptom-
atic throughout their lives. However, in the United States each year,
Shontell Reed-Hatcher , cst
When cerebral aneurysms rupture, they can be an unfor-
giving entity. Cerebral aneurysms usually rupture sud-
denly – with little or no warning – and can be fatal or
severely disabling. Even though medical practitio-
ners long have been aware of aneurysms, detection and
treatment, and despite improvements to technologies,
the overall outcome from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm
has remained bleak. Fewer than 50% of patients treat-
ed for a ruptured aneurysm survive six months. A large
percentage of those patients never return to indepen-
dent living.
7
Author’s note: As a Certified Surgi-
cal Technologist, I have more than
16 years of experience working with
a team of highly qualified surgical
professionals in the performance of
cerebral aneurysm or aneurysmal
subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH)
clippings. This life-saving surgical
procedure requires the expert skill
of each team member, including the
radiologist, surgeon, nurse, anesthe-
siologist and surgical technologist. In
my role as a surgical technologist, it is
imperative that I be knowledgeable of
the condition being treated to ensure
my performance contributes to the
success of the surgical procedure.
