A comparative study of performance characteristics of cerebral aneurysm clips.

The authors have developed a procedure to evaluate the performance of cerebral aneurysm clips as a function of intravascular pressure and aneurysm neck diameter. Numerous models of Mayfield, Scoville, Variangle, Heifetz and Yasargil clips were tested. The various clips demonstrated decreasing capabilities for secure occlusion of a vessel as vascular diameters and intravascular pressure increased. These findings are in record with predictions based upon La Place's Principle and indicate that the size of an aneurysm must be considered in the choice of an appropriate aneurysm clip.