Guglielmi detachable coil - Report of intraoperative complications

The newest therapy for cerebral aneurysm is the Guglielmi detachable coil ( GDC), The authors describe the anesthetic management of two patients with i ntraoperative subarachnoid hemorrhage during Guglielmi coil placement. Vari ous treatments for intraoperative hemorrhage are discussed, as are other co mmon complications that can occur during placement of intravascular, intrac ranial coils. The placement of a ventriculostomy was a major contributing f actor in the good outcome of both patients. Consideration should be given t o placement of a ventriculostomy before the GDC procedure. Although the GDC procedure offers much promise, it is not a benign procedure and has its ow n set of complications that will no doubt challenge the neuroanesthesiologi st.