Aneurysms

Overview

Strokes and ruptured aneurysms require immediate response from an experienced cerebrovascular team. Harborview based UW Medicine physicians specialize in treating these complex conditions and in performing the latest procedures when every second counts. Our expertise in both microsurgical and endovascular techniques allows us to offer patients the most appropriate treatment for cerebral aneurysms.

Endovascular options include coiling, balloon-assisted coiling and stent-assisted coiling. Microsurgical treatment includes clipping of the aneurysm, or dome of the vessel harboring the aneurysm, with simultaneous performance of a bypass procedure to provide new routes of blood flow. It is important to choose the right procedure for each patient.

Three to five million people in the United States suffer from aneurysms every year. Ruptures causing subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) occur in only about eight to ten cases per 100,000. However, the prognosis for these patients is very poor if the patient is not treated in a high volume center, such as Harborview, by highly experienced and skilled multi-disciplinary team.