Authors' objectives:

This study aims to assess the current evidence on coil embolisation of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Authors' recommendations: 1.1 Current evidence suggests that coil embolisation is efficacious in obliterating unruptured intracranial aneurysms and that its safety is similar to that of surgical treatment. 1.2 The annual risk of haemorrhage from unruptured intracranial aneurysms varies widely, depending on their site and size; and the lifetime risk depends on life expectancy and other factors. The decision to treat unruptured intracranial aneurysms by coil embolisation therefore requires judgement of the risks for each patient, and recognition of the importance of patient choice. Clinicians wishing to undertake this procedure should ensure that: normal arrangements are in place for audit and clinical governance patients understand the relative risks of coil embolisation and surgery compared to the risk of having no treatment when giving their consent for this treatment. Use of the Institute's Information for the public is recommended. 1.3 The procedure should only be performed in specialist units with expertise in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.nice.org.uk/ipcat.aspx?c=206495

Year Published: 2005

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: National Institute for Clinical Excellence

Contact Address: MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London WC1V 6NA, UK. Tel: +44 020 7067 5800; Fax: +44 020 7067 5801

Contact Name: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Contact Email: nice@nice.nhs.uk

Copyright: National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)