Mary Washington Healthcare performs first open brain aneurysm surgery

Milestone expands access to advanced, life-saving neurosurgical care close to home

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (June 30, 2026) — Mary Washington Healthcare has successfully performed its first open brain aneurysm surgery, marking a significant advancement in access to highly specialized neurosurgical care in the region.

Previously, patients diagnosed with brain aneurysms were often referred outside the region for treatment. This milestone enables Mary Washington Healthcare to provide this complex, often life-saving procedure locally, allowing patients and families to remain close to home during treatment and recovery.

“This milestone reflects Mary Washington Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced, high-quality care for our community,” said Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, President and CEO of Mary Washington Healthcare. “By bringing complex neurosurgical procedures like brain aneurysm surgery closer to home, we are improving access, enhancing the patient experience, and ensuring our region receives the care it deserves.”

A brain aneurysm occurs when a weakened area in a blood vessel wall balloons outward, creating a risk of rupture. When rupture occurs, it can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke with severe or fatal outcomes. A brain aneurysm is often marked by a sudden, severe “worst headache of my life,” feeling requiring immediate care. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are critical to saving lives and improving outcomes.

Many aneurysms, however, are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions and may never cause symptoms or require immediate treatment. These unruptured aneurysms are often safely monitored over time, with care decisions guided by their size, shape, and overall risk.

“Bringing brain aneurysm surgery to Mary Washington Healthcare is a meaningful step forward for our community,” said John C. Muse, MD, Mary Washington Neurosurgery. “While many aneurysms can be safely monitored, others require highly specialized treatment. These procedures are among the most complex in neurosurgery and require exceptional precision and coordination. Being able to offer this level of care close to home ensures patients have timely access to advanced treatment when it matters most.”

Open aneurysm surgery, also known as aneurysm clipping, is a highly specialized procedure that requires advanced microsurgical techniques. The surgeon carefully accesses the aneurysm and places a small clip across the affected vessel to prevent blood flow into the weakened area, reducing the risk of rupture. Having this capability locally allows for more comprehensive evaluation, ongoing monitoring, and timely intervention when needed.

The procedure reflects the strength of a coordinated, multidisciplinary team, including neurosurgery, neurology, imaging specialists, and critical care providers, working together to deliver advanced, patient-centered care.

Patients with questions about brain aneurysms or who may require evaluation are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or learn more here.

###

About Mary Washington Healthcare

Mary Washington Healthcare is a fully integrated, regional healthcare system that provides inpatient and outpatient care at more than 80 facilities including Mary Washington Hospital, a 471-bed tertiary hospital; Stafford Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital; four emergency departments, and a multi-specialty graduate medical education program. Mary Washington Healthcare is a non-profit health system with a longstanding commitment to providing care regardless of patients’ ability to pay. For more information about our services and facilities, visit mwhc.com.