Brain Aneurysm Surgery at Mary Washington Healthcare

Advanced Neurosurgical Care for Brain Aneurysms

Mary Washington Healthcare now offers comprehensive brain aneurysm treatment, including both open surgical clipping and minimally invasive endovascular procedures, bringing a highly specialized level of neurosurgical and neurointerventional care to the Fredericksburg region for the first time. Patients who previously may have needed to travel outside the area for treatment can now access comprehensive brain aneurysm evaluation, monitoring, and treatment closer to home.

Our experienced team of neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, neurologists, and critical care providers work together to deliver advanced, patient-centered care for people diagnosed with brain aneurysms.

Open brain aneurysm surgery

Brain aneurysms can be treated through two primary approaches, and the right option depends on the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm, as well as the patient's overall health. Open brain aneurysm surgery, often called aneurysm clipping, is a highly specialized microsurgical procedure used to prevent blood flow from entering an aneurysm. During surgery, a neurosurgeon places a small metal clip across the base of the aneurysm, reducing the risk of rupture and helping protect the patient from potentially devastating complications.

Endovascular treatment

Endovascular treatment offers a minimally invasive alternative performed from inside the blood vessels. Using imaging guidance, a neurointerventionalist threads a thin catheter through the vascular system to the site of the aneurysm, then places soft platinum coils, a stent, or a flow-diverting device to block blood flow into the aneurysm and promote healing of the vessel wall. Because this approach doesn't require opening the skull, it can offer a shorter recovery for appropriately selected patients.

What This Means for Our Community

The addition of brain aneurysm surgery at Mary Washington Healthcare represents a significant advancement in neurological care for the region. Patients can now receive evaluation, monitoring, and advanced treatment closer to home, surrounded by their support systems and connected to a coordinated team of local specialists.

When to Seek Care

A ruptured brain aneurysm is a medical emergency. Symptoms may include a sudden, severe headache often described as the "worst headache of my life," along with other neurological symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

If you have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm or have questions about your risk, our neurosurgical specialists can help determine whether monitoring or treatment is the right option for you.