What is Endovascular Embolization?

This is a procedure to fill and/or close blood vessels. This prevents bleeding and rupture. It is an alternative to open surgery.

Endovascular embolization can treat many conditions, including:

• Brain aneurysm —a weakened blood vessel in the brain that collects blood and can bleed

• Vascular malformations —abnormal connections between arteries and veins (usually present at birth)

• Tumors

Brain Aneurysm © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

The procedure can be used alone or with other treatments. 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 planning to have this procedure, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, such as:

• Bleeding

• Weakness

• Numbness or tingling

• Speech disturbances

• Visual changes

• Confusion, memory loss

• Seizures

• Infection

• Reaction to the anesthesia or contrast solution

• Blood clots

• Ruptured aneurysm during surgery

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

Talk to your doctor about these risk factors.

Call Your Doctor

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

• Any changes in physical ability (eg, balance, strength, or movement)

• Any changes to mental status (eg,...