What is a common requirement for both anterior and posterior circulation aneurysm procedures?

In interventional radiology, especially during procedures targeting aneurysms in either the anterior or posterior circulation of the brain, patient heparinization is a standard practice. This requirement is primarily due to the need to prevent thrombus formation during the endovascular procedures.

Aneurysm treatments often involve navigating through the vascular system with devices like catheters and guidewires, which can increase the risk of clot formation. Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, inhibiting the clotting cascade and maintaining patency of the blood vessels throughout the procedure. This is crucial because any clot that forms can lead to significant complications, including stroke or loss of blood flow to critical areas of the brain.

The necessity of maintaining a therapeutic level of anticoagulation is vital across various vascular territories, regardless of whether the aneurysm is located in the anterior or posterior circulation. This practice underscores the importance of blood flow management during interventional procedures to ensure patient safety and procedural efficacy.