New aneurysm clip and applier for narrow spaces: technical note

Aneurysm surgery carries considerable risk to the patient, in part because the surgical field can be so constricted that accurate placement of the aneurysm clip is impeded. In fact, most aneurysm clip appliers are so bulky that they can impair the surgeon's view, if the field is tight. We describe a system of aneurysm clips and appliers that have a very low profile and consequently allow better visualization of the operative field at critical moments during surgery.

A new system of clips for aneurysm surgery was developed to overcome some of the deficiencies of conventional sets. The new clip blades are opened from inside the spring, so the clip blades are clearly seen as they are applied across the base of the aneurysm. In addition, these clips can be angled in any desired direction in the applier, which makes their application easier. A third advantage is that the clip applier is used as a clip remover should adjustment or reapplication of the clip be necessary.

Thirty aneurysms were obliterated with the new clips without any complications attributable to the clips. The new instruments allowed the safe application of clips to aneurysms in deep, confined, and anatomically complex spaces, such as aneurysms of the basilar tip and anterior communicating artery.

The newly described system of aneurysm clips and appliers appears to have significant advantages over other currently available systems.