What exactly do they mean by 'proximal' and 'distal' control?

[lakers4sho]

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Med student here, trying to fudge my way learning vascular nsgy, but what exactly does 'proximal' and 'distal' control mean in aneurysm clipping? Say for MCA bifurcation aneurysm. Thx

 

[WedgeDawg]

Proximal = closer to the heart
Distal = further away from the heart

so if you have an MCA bifurcation aneurysm, a temporary clip on the M1 would be proximal control and a temp clip on the M2 branch(es) would be distal control

 

[LateNightChef]

Generally in surgery dealing with arteries, you want to gain proximal control first, so that you can block the supply coming from the heart. If you don’t, then blood is spewing everywhere.