An aneurysm represents a weak spot in the wall of an artery which results in a focal bulge or widening of the artery in this location. In the intracranial circulation, these aneurysms are at 2-4% annual risk of rupture which results in subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding in the space around the brain.

There are approximately between 12,000 and 28,000 subarachnoid hemorrhages annually in the United States. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhages will usually complain of "the worst headache of his/her life" and can have nausea, vomiting, visual changes, neck stiffness, and loss of consciousness. This is a medical emergency with 10-15% of these patients dying prior to reaching the hospital. Half of all subarachnoid hemorrhage patients will not survive beyond 30 days with approximately half of the survivors suffering a permanent stroke.

Presently there are two methods of treating intracranial aneurysms. These consist of:

1. Brain surgery with placement of a clip around the neck of the aneurysm.

2. Embolization of the aneurysm with placement of platinum GDC coils from inside the blood vessel through a catheter in the groin.

In the Section of Interventional Neuroradiology at Emory, we specialize in the treatment of aneurysms using Guglielmi Detachable Coils (GDC).

Learn more about GDC therapy of intracranial aneurysms

• Overview GDC therapy
• GDC therapy technique
• Treatment example

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