Understanding Aneurysm Coiling: A Life-Saving Procedure Explained by Dr. Prashant Agarwal
When you hear the word “aneurysm,” it often comes with fear and confusion. And understandably so. An aneurysm, especially in the brain, can be life-threatening if not detected and treated in time. But with advances in modern medicine, there’s hope—and one such life-saving advancement is aneurysm coiling.
Dr. Prashant Agarwal, a highly respected neurologist and interventional neuroradiologist, has helped countless patients understand and recover from aneurysms through this revolutionary technique. In this blog, we’ll break down what aneurysm coiling is, how it works, who needs it, and what recovery looks like—all explained in a simple, relatable manner.
What is an Aneurysm?
An aneurysm occurs when a blood vessel wall weakens, causing it to bulge or balloon out. Imagine blowing air into a thin balloon—if you blow too much, the balloon can pop. Similarly, if the pressure in a blood vessel builds up, especially in the brain, it can rupture. This can lead to a hemorrhagic stroke or even death.
There are many types of aneurysms, but cerebral aneurysms, which occur in the brain, are among the most dangerous. That’s where aneurysm coiling comes in as a minimally invasive way to prevent these aneurysms from bursting.
Meet Dr. Prashant Agarwal
Before we dive into the medical side, let’s talk about the man behind the scalpel—Dr. Prashant Agarwal. Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Agarwal believes that patients should not only be treated but also empowered with knowledge.
With years of experience in neuro-intervention, Dr. Agarwal specializes in treating brain aneurysms through endovascular techniques. His mission is to make complex procedures like aneurysm coiling more understandable and less intimidating.
What is Aneurysm Coiling?
Aneurysm coiling, also called endovascular coiling, is a procedure where soft platinum coils are inserted into the aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing.
Let’s break it down.
Instead of opening up the skull, doctors use a small catheter (a thin tube) that’s inserted through an artery in the leg or arm. Using real-time X-ray imaging, the catheter is guided all the way up into the brain, right to the aneurysm. Then, tiny coils are carefully placed into the aneurysm. These coils trigger clotting, which seals off the aneurysm from the normal blood flow, preventing rupture.
Dr. Prashant Agarwal describes it as “a way of healing the brain from the inside, without ever needing to open it.”
Why Choose Coiling Over Surgery?
Traditionally, aneurysms were treated with open brain surgery, known as clipping. While effective, it required a longer recovery and came with more risks.
Coiling is minimally invasive, which means:
No large incisions
Less pain
Shorter hospital stays
Faster recovery
As Dr. Agarwal puts it, “For many patients, coiling means they go home in days instead of weeks.”
Who Needs Aneurysm Coiling?
Not every aneurysm needs to be coiled. Some are small and unlikely to rupture. However, coiling is often recommended if:
The aneurysm is large
There’s a family history of rupture
The aneurysm has already started bleeding (emergency cases)
The patient has other health conditions that make open surgery risky
Dr. Agarwal carefully evaluates each case with advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT angiography, ensuring the decision is tailored to each patient’s unique condition.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Let’s walk through the patient journey with Dr. Agarwal:
1. Before the Procedure
You’ll undergo tests to determine the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours beforehand. A neurologist and anesthetist will guide you through pre-procedure preparations.
2. During the Procedure
Under general anesthesia, Dr. Agarwal makes a tiny incision near the groin and inserts a catheter. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), he guides the catheter into the brain’s blood vessels. Once at the aneurysm, soft platinum coils are carefully placed inside. The entire process usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours.
3. After the Procedure
Patients are monitored in the ICU for 24–48 hours. Most experience minimal discomfort. Some may feel slight headaches or groin pain from the catheter site, but these are manageable. Hospital stay typically lasts 2–3 days.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from aneurysm coiling is generally quicker than open surgery. Most patients return to normal activities in 1–2 weeks. However, Dr. Agarwal emphasizes that follow-up is crucial.
You’ll have follow-up scans at intervals to ensure the aneurysm remains sealed. Sometimes, additional coiling may be required if the aneurysm changes over time.
Dr. Agarwal also advises patients to:
Avoid smoking
Maintain healthy blood pressure
Manage stress and cholesterol
Stay active but avoid heavy lifting initially
His message: “Aneurysm coiling gives you a second chance—but it’s important to care for your brain like the precious organ it is.”
Patient Stories: Real Lives Changed
One of Dr. Agarwal’s patients, 48-year-old Sunita, came in with a sudden, severe headache—what she described as the “worst pain of her life.” A CT scan revealed a ruptured aneurysm. Within hours, Dr. Agarwal performed an emergency coiling procedure.
Today, Sunita is back to her daily life, grateful for the care she received. “I never imagined I’d be laughing with my grandchildren again,” she says.
Stories like these are what drive Dr. Agarwal to keep doing what he does best—saving lives without cutting open the skull.
The Future of Brain Aneurysm Treatment
With newer technologies, aneurysm coiling continues to improve. From flow diverters to bioactive coils, the options are becoming more effective and tailored.
Dr. Prashant Agarwal stays at the forefront of these innovations, attending global conferences and participating in advanced research. His clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and catheter labs, ensuring the highest level of care.
Final Thoughts from Dr. Prashant Agarwal
“If you’ve been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, don’t panic. With timely treatment like coiling, your chances of living a full, healthy life are excellent. My job is not just to treat, but to help you understand and take control of your health.”
Aneurysm coiling might sound complex, but in the hands of experts like Dr. Prashant Agarwal, it becomes a smooth, life-changing journey. If you or a loved one is facing an aneurysm diagnosis, know that you’re not alone—and that there’s a safer, smarter path to healing.
