Term
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Definition
A weakened spot in the walls of an artery that will cause them severely thin over time |
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Term
What is alarming about cerebral aneurysms? |
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Definition
They are usually asymptomatic until they rupture, unless they are large enough to press on surrounding structures such as optic chiasma or optic nerves |
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Term
What signs are present when the aneurysm ruptures? |
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Definition
bloody spinal fluid, meningeal irritation, and focal signs of cerebral damage |
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Term
Where are cerebral aneurysms typically found? |
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Definition
At the bifurcation points in the arteries of the Circle of Willis |
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Term
What is used to diagnose and located the aneurysm? |
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Definition
An angiography will help locate the aneurysm as well as reveal exact size of it |
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Term
What type of set should be available for hemorrhage control? |
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Definition
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Term
What fissure is split by bipolar cautery? |
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Definition
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Term
What types of self-retaining retractors can be used? |
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Definition
Leyla-Yasargil or Greenberg |
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Term
What structures need to be identified? |
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Definition
The optic nerves and optic chiasma |
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Term
Why is a temporary aneurysm clip used? |
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Definition
It is to test an eventual placement of a permanent clip, or it can be used to occlude the parent vessel if a rupture occurs and the neck of the aneurysm cannot be visualized for clip placement |
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Term
What can be used to prevent vasospasms? |
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Definition
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Term
Why is it important the aneurysm clip is placed appropriately? |
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Definition
If the clip is closed then opened, it cannot be closed and reused again |
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Term
What can be done with a C-arm? |
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Definition
An angiogram can be performed during the procedure |
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Term
What is monitored while patient is in ICU? |
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Definition
Postoperative bleeding and intracranial pressure |
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Term
How long is the patient monitored while in the ICU? |
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Definition
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Term
Where do more than 85 percent of aneurysms occur? |
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Definition
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Term
What is the goal of the surgical procedure? |
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Definition
To isolate the aneurysm from the parent vessel and place a clip across the neck of the aneurysm - or place a reinforcement over sac if a clip cannot be used |
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Term
If a clip cannot be used, what types of materials can be used to reinforce sac of aneurysm? |
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Definition
Polymethyl methacrylate or a mesh gauze |
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