Awake Surgery for Brain Aneurysms

Please Watch Brief Video of Awake Clipping of a Complex MCA Aneurysm

“Awake” Protocol for Complex Aneurysms & Vascular Malformations

Prospective Non-Randomized Observational Study
(2013-2019)

Total 202 Craniotomies

Patients Undergoing “Awake” Protocol for Complex Aneurysms & Vascular Malformations
(Study Period: 2013-2019)

162 Craniotomies

(Above table is from the IRB Review Data- All patient identification variables are redacted)

Total Craniotomies = 202
“Awake” Craniotomies = 162 (80%)
Morbidity (Disability) in “Awake” = 7 patients (out of 162) = 4.3%
Mortality in “Awake” = 3 patients (out of 162) = 1.8%
“Awake” Combined Death and Disability = 4.3+ 1.8= 6.1%

Patients Undergoing “General Anesthesia” Protocol for Complex Aneurysms & Vascular Malformations
(Study Period: 2013-2019)

40 Craniotomies

(Above table is from the IRB Review Data- All patient identification variables are redacted)

Total Craniotomies = 202
“General Anesthesia” Craniotomies = 40 ( 20%)
Morbidity (Disability) in “General Anesthesia” = 4 (out of 40) = 10%
Mortality in “General Anesthesia” = 1 (out of 40) = 2.5%
“General Anesthesia” Combined Death and Disability= 12.5%

Study Contra-indication for “Awake” Craniotomy

  • Patient Declines Option
  • Patient Cognitive Status Not Suitable for “Awake” Procedure
  • Anesthesiologist Deems Patient Airway Anatomy Not Suitable for “Awake” Procedure

All Patients Undergoing Surgery for Complex Aneurysms & Vascular Malformations
(Study Period: 2013 -2019) : Total 202 Craniotomies

Summary of Outcomes

The First 30 Consecutive Patients undergoing “Awake” Aneurysm Clipping were reported in the Journal of Neurosurgery in 2017 (PMID: 27767401)

Summary of Outcomes

We conducted an extensive review of the neurosurgical literature and the outcomes in the “Awake” arm are some of the best, if not the best, ever reported for the microsurgical treatment of complex cerebral aneurysms and AVMs.

Expand Your Expertise

Dr. Abdulrauf will be proctoring Neurosurgeons in the U.S and around the world in performing awake complex cerebrovascular and skull base surgery

We welcome colleagues in practice (academia or private), who wish to have sub-specialized neurosurgeons work with them as needed in the operating room for continued skill development and optimal patient outcome to join this initiative. All confidentiality will be protected.  

Neurosurgeon Collaboration

We welcome highly sub-specialized colleagues from academia or private practice to join this initiative by becoming Members of the Institute’s Sub-Specialty Teaching Board    

Teaching and Proctoring Board