Aneurysm Clipping in India
A brain aneurysm is a balloon-like weak spot in an artery inside the head. When it leaks or bursts, it can cause a subarachnoid hemorrhage — a sudden bleed around the brain that is a medical emergency. Aneurysm clipping is an open microsurgery that seals the base of the aneurysm with a tiny titanium clip so blood can no longer enter it, while the normal artery stays open. Some aneurysms are better treated from inside the vessel (coiling/flow diversion). Your team helps you choose the safest, most durable option for your anatomy.
Discover what this treats so that you can choose confidently
An aneurysm clip seals the neck of a weak, bulging artery segment so it can’t refill and bleed again. The choice between clipping and endovascular coiling/flow-diversion depends on aneurysm size, neck shape, branch vessels, rupture status, age, and center expertise.
Patient moment S, 52, had an unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysm. After discussing coiling vs. clipping, she chose clipping due to a wide neck. She spent one day in ICU, walked the next morning, and went home on day four with mild jaw stiffness that settled in two weeks. “Plain-language planning turned panic into focus.”
How the procedure works in simple steps
Choosing between treatments is like deciding the best way to cross a river: sometimes a bridge (endovascular) is fastest; sometimes a carefully placed dam (surgical clip) is safest and most durable for that spot.
- Before surgery — CT/MR angiography and often catheter angiography define details. A multidisciplinary conference (neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, anesthesia) confirms the plan. Medicines (blood thinners, BP) and pre-anesthesia checks are reviewed.
- During surgery — Under general anesthesia, a tailored craniotomy is made. With microscope and, when needed, neuronavigation, the aneurysm and parent artery are exposed. A titanium clip is placed across the neck to exclude the aneurysm while preserving normal flow. ICG video angiography or Doppler confirms closure and patency. The bone flap is replaced and the skin closed.
- After surgery — ICU monitoring for blood pressure and neurology. CT checks for bleeding/swelling. Transition to ward usually within 24 hours if stable. Follow-up CTA/angiogram documents occlusion.
Grounding questions: Which option best secures my aneurysm with fewest risks for its shape/location? How will the team prevent/treat BP spikes, vasospasm, or clots post-op?
Who should consider this and when to wait
- Consider clipping when the aneurysm has a wide neck or branch vessels; location is surgically accessible (e.g., many MCA aneurysms); durability is a priority in younger patients; or rupture/anatomy favors clipping.
- Consider waiting or alternatives when a small, stable, unruptured aneurysm has low risk (active monitoring); endovascular therapy offers equal/better safety for the site; or medical issues need optimization first.
Ask yourself: Which route balances safety today and durability years from now? What support do I have at home for rest, meals, and medicines in the first two weeks?
Benefits and risks that you should understand
Potential benefits
- Definitive mechanical closure of the aneurysm neck with long-term durability in suitable cases
- Direct view of branch vessels/perforators to protect them
- Reduced rebleed risk for ruptured aneurysms once clipped
Possible risks
- Stroke from spasm or clots; temporary/permanent weakness, speech or vision changes
- Bleeding, swelling, infection, seizures
- Cranial-nerve irritation (jaw discomfort, facial numbness, double vision) — often temporary, approach-dependent
- Anesthesia risks; rarely, need for further procedures if residual remains
Balanced view: Outcomes depend on location, size, rupture status, and overall health. High-volume teams, BP/vasospasm protocols, and modern monitoring lower risk and support recovery.
Cost overview without surprises
Pricing varies with hospital category, surgeon seniority, aneurysm complexity, ICU needs, room class, and stay length. Illustrative USD ranges for self-pay international patients:
| Scenario | Illustrative cost range (USD) | Typical hospital stay |
|---|---|---|
| Unruptured aneurysm clipping (standard MCA or ACom) | 8500 – 12500 | 4 – 6 days |
| Ruptured aneurysm clipping with vasospasm monitoring | 10500 – 18000 | 7 – 10 days |
| Complex skull base or giant aneurysm (multi-clip/temporary bypass) | 14000 – 22000 | 8 – 12 days |
| Bypass with trapping for select complex aneurysms | 16000 – 25000 | 9 – 14 days |
Simple math example
- Base package • Unruptured clipping: $9,200
- Room upgrade: $500
- Intra-op fluorescein/ICG angiography: $600
- Two extra ICU days ($400 each): $800
- Estimated total: $11,100
Request a personalized quote listing inclusions (anesthesia, routine labs, surgeon & OR fees, standard imaging) and exclusions (blood products, unexpected ICU, extra nights, take-home meds).
Questions people often ask before this treatment
Is clipping better than coiling?
Neither is universally better. The choice depends on anatomy, rupture status, age, and local expertise. Centers offering both recommend case by case.
How long is recovery?
Many unruptured cases go home day 3–5 and improve over 2–4 weeks. Ruptured cases depend on bleed severity and vasospasm risk and can take longer.
Will the clip set off airport scanners?
Modern titanium clips are MRI and airport friendly. Carry your operative summary.
What is vasospasm and how is it managed?
After subarachnoid hemorrhage, arteries can narrow. Teams manage with fluids, BP targets, electrolytes, and medications; monitoring can continue up to 14 days.
When can I fly home?
Unruptured: often 7–10 days after surgery if cleared. After rupture: depends on neurological status and spasm risk.
Video testimonials from real patients
You can watch short success stories from international patients who underwent aneurysm treatment in India — recovery at home, follow-up imaging, and coordinated care after discharge.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Aryan Malhotra
MBBS, David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia
Radiation Oncology Resident, Burdwan Medical College and Hospital
Registration number: 95565
Dr Malhotra reviews pages so that statements remain accurate, balanced, and patient-friendly with clear safety guidance and definitions.
References
Watch patient videos
https://www.youtube.com/@TreatmentCost