Endovascular coil embolization of residual or recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping

Purpose: Treatment of residual or recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping is a challenge and most surgeons prefer to avoid a second surgical attempt. We present treatment of 4 residual or recurrent aneurysms after surgical clipping with electrolytically detachable coils. Material and Methods: In 3 of 4 patients, recurrent aneurysms were diagnosed with angiography 2 months, 5 years and 14 years after surgery, although the domes of the aneurysms were opened following clipping during the surgery. In the 4th patient, an early postoperative angiogram revealed filling of a residual aneurysm secondary to the incomplete neck clipping. Guglielmi detachable coils were used to occlude the residual or recurrent aneurysm. Results: The endovascular approach was successful in all patients and the control angiograms showed complete obliteration of the aneurysms with no recanalization. Conclusion: The endovascular approach is a good treatment option for patients in whom complete obliteration of the aneurysm cannot be achieved by surgical clipping. Opening of the aneurysm sac after clipping does not necessarily preclude aneurysm regrowth from a neck remnant proximal to the clip.