The development of the Drake fenestrated aneurysm clip is a study in the hi
story of ideas. This communication outlines the conception and solution of
a surgical problem involved with the clipping of large basilar tip aneurysm
s. Dr. Charles G. Drake's ability to modify old ideas and experiment with n
ew ones was instrumental to the conceptual idea of a fenestrated clip. Dr.
Frank H. Mayfield and Mr. George Kees, Jr. played essential roles in bringi
ng the idea to a reality. The development of the fenestrated clip has added
substantially to the armamentarium of the aneurysm surgeon in dealing with
large and complex aneurysms.