Retrograde suction decompression of giant paraclinoidal aneurysms. Technical note

BALLOON-ASSISTED CLIPPING OF A LARGE PARACLINOIDAL ANEURYSM

OBJECTIVE

Surgical clipping and parent vessel reconstruction of wide-neck paraclinoid aneurysms can be very challenging. We report a case of a ruptured paraclinoid aneurysm which failed standard clipping techniques. We were able to reconstruct this aneurysm while providing proximal and distal control using an adjuvant endovascular balloon.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION

We report the case of a 45-year-old woman presenting with a ruptured large paraclinoidal aneurysm, which involved a significant portion of the internal carotid artery wall.

INTERVENTION

Repeated attempts at fenestrated clip placement resulted in slipping of the clip and occlusion of the parent artery. Ultimately, the aneurysm ruptured at the neck, and, despite trapping and direct aneurysmal suction decompression, significant bleeding was encountered. The bleeding point was packed, and, subsequently, endovascular access was obtained. A balloon was navigated and then inflated across the neck of the aneurysm using C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. The aneurysm was successfully clipped, and intraoperative angiography demonstrated no parent vessel stenosis.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates a salvage procedure in the event of intraoperative rupture and inadequate interruption of local blood flow. Balloon inflation resulted in adequate hemostasis and provided intraluminal support for optimal clip placement while preserving the parent artery.

Endovascular retrograde suction decompression as an adjunct to surgical treatment of ophthalmic aneurysms: analysis of risks and clinical outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular retrograde suction decompression with balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery is a useful adjunct in the surgical treatment of ophthalmic aneurysms. This technique helps establish proximal control, facilitates intraoperative angiography, and may aid dissection by evacuating blood and softening the aneurysm. Although the technical aspects of this procedure have been described, the published data on its safety are scant. This study analyzed 2 groups of patients who underwent craniotomies for treatment of ophthalmic aneurysms, comparing a group who received suction decompression with a group who did not.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on 118 craniotomies for ophthalmic aneurysms performed from 1990 to 2005 is presented. A group of 63 patients treated with endovascular suction decompression during surgery is compared with 55 patients who did not undergo this technique.

RESULTS

In our overall analysis of ophthalmic aneurysms, the clinical outcome was statistically related to aneurysm size (P = 0.046). The endovascular suction decompression group in this study had overall larger aneurysms (P < 0.0001) compared with the other group. There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups in rates of complications, stroke, new visual deficit, or death. The clinical outcomes were statistically similar at discharge and at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular balloon occlusion and suction decompression did not increase the complication rate in a large cohort of craniotomy patients with ophthalmic aneurysms. This technique may be used to augment surgical capabilities without significantly increasing the operative risk.

Cavernous carotid aneurysms: to treat or not to treat?

Most cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCAs) are considered benign lesions, most often asymptomatic, and to have a natural history with a low risk of life-threatening complications. However, several conditions may exist in which treatment of these aneurysms should be considered. Several options are currently available regarding the management of CCAs with resultant good outcomes, namely expectant management, luminal preservation strategies with or without addressing the aneurysm directly, and Hunterian strategies with or without revascularization procedures. In this article, we discuss the sometimes difficult decision regarding whether to treat CCAs. We consider the natural history of several types of CCAs, the clinical presentation, the current modalities of CCA management and their outcomes to aid in the management of this heterogeneous group of cerebral aneurysms.

RESULTS, OUTCOMES, AND FOLLOW-UP OF REMNANTS IN THE TREATMENT OF OPHTHALMIC ANEURYSMS

OBJECTIVE

Ophthalmic aneurysms present unique challenges to a vascular team. This study reviews the 16-year experience of a multidisciplinary neurovascular service in the treatment, complications, outcomes, and follow-up of patients with ophthalmic aneurysms from 1990 to 2005.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 134 patients with 157 ophthalmic aneurysms is presented. Subgroup analysis is performed based on treatment and clinical presentation of the patients.

RESULTS

Clinical outcomes are reported using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A “good” outcome is defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 4 or 5, and a “poor” outcome is defined as a Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1 to 3. Outcome was related to patient age (P = 0.0002) and aneurysm size (P = 0.046). Outcomes for patients with ruptured aneurysms were related to hypertension (P &lt; 0.0001) and clinical admission grade (P = 0.001). In patients with unruptured aneurysms, a good clinical outcome was noted in 103 (92.7%) of 111 patients at discharge and 83 (94.3%) of 88 patients at the time of the 1-year follow-up evaluation. Complete clipping was attained in 89 (79.5%) of 112 patients with angiographic follow-up. Patients with aneurysm remnants from both coiling and clipping had a low risk of regrowth, and there were no rehemorrhages. One of 25 patients with angiographic follow-up (average, 4.3 ± 4.1 years) after “complete” clipping showed recurrence of the aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

Despite the difficulties presented by ophthalmic aneurysms, these lesions can be successfully managed by a multidisciplinary team. Imaging follow-up of patients is important, as there is a risk of aneurysm regrowth after either coiling or clipping.

Multimodal treatment for complex intracranial aneurysms: clinical research

OBJECTIVE

For patients with giant or dissecting aneurysm, multimodal treatment consisting extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery plus clip or coil for parent artery occlusion may be necessary. In this study, the safety and efficacy of multimodal treatment in 15 patients with complex aneurysms were evaluated retrospectively.

METHODS

From January 1995 to June 2007, the authors treated 15 complex aneurysms that were unable to be clipped or coiled. Among them, nine patitents had unruptured aneurysms and 6 had ruptured aneurysms. Aneurysms were located in the internal cerebral artery (ICA) in 11 patients (4 in the dorsal wall, 4 in the terminal ICA, 1 in the paraclinoid, and 2 in the cavernous ICA), in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in 2, and in the posterior circulation in two patients

RESULTS

Fifteen patients with complex aneurysms were treated with bypass surgery previously. Thirteen patients were treated with external carotid middle cerebral artery (ECA-MCA) anastomosis, and one patient with superficial temporal to posterior cerebral artery (STA-PCA) and another patient with occipital artery to posterior inferior cerebellar artery (OA-PICA) anastomosis. Parent artery occlusion was then performed with a clip in 9 patients, with a coil in 4, with balloon plus coil in one patient. All 15 aneurysms were successfully treated with clip or coil combined with bypass surgery. Follow-up angiograms showed good patency of anastomotic site in 10 out of 11 patients, and perfusion study showed sufficient perfusion in 6 out of 9 patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that for patients with complex aneurysms, clip or coil for parent vessel occlusion with additive bypass surgery can successfully exclude the aneurysm from the neurovascular circulatory system.

Long-term surgical results with aneurysms involving the ophthalmic segment of the carotid artery

Object

Because of the anatomical complexity of the paraclinoid region, the surgical treatment of aneurysms arising in the C6 segment of the internal carotid artery is extremely challenging. The authors' aim in this study was to describe the extended clinical follow-up and assess the short-term and long-term effectiveness of surgical treatment for these aneurysms, focusing on the clinical outcome and degree of aneurysm occlusion and recurrence.

Methods

The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical records for patients treated surgically between 1973 and 2004 at the University of Rome, “La Sapienza.” Aneurysms were classified into the following 3 groups according to the site where they arose: the anteromedial, anterior or anterolateral, and posteromedial wall of the C6 segment.

Results

Of the 108 aneurysms in 104 patients treated, 63 (58%) were large or giant. Eighty-eight aneurysms in 84 patients were clipped, 16 underwent a high-flow bypass, 2 were trapped, 1 was wrapped, and 1 was left untreated. The mean follow-up was 126 months; 47 patients had a follow-up of > 10 years. Of the 88 aneurysms that were clipped, 6 (6.8%) had an incomplete occlusion that required an immediate reoperation in 1 case and at 2 years in another. Overall 6 patients (5.8%) had surgery-related permanent complications.

Conclusions

Mortality and morbidity rates depend mainly on the patient's preoperative Hunt and Hess grade subarachnoid hemorrhage, whereas surgical morbidity principally reflects excessive manipulation of the optic nerve or ischemic problems due to excessive temporary trapping undertaken without adequate neuroprotection. In expert hands, surgery (clipping and bypass procedures) is a definitive treatment for C6 aneurysms and has an acceptable complication rate.

Novel Use of an Endovascular Embolectomy Device for Retrograde Suction Decompression-Assisted Clip Ligation of a Large Paraclinoid Aneurysm: Technical Case Report

Objective:

Several different methodologies for proximal occlusion and retrograde suction decompression of large paraclinoid aneurysms have been reported previously. In this article, we describe the novel use of an endovascular embolectomy device (F.A.S.T. funnel catheter; Genesis Medical Interventional, Inc., Redwood City, CA) for temporary internal carotid artery occlusion and suction decompression of an intracranial aneurysm to facilitate surgical clip ligation. The combination of atraumatic occlusion technology and large lumen size makes this technique safer and easier.

Clinical Presentation:

A 53-year-old woman with progressive headaches underwent computed tomographic angiography, which revealed an unruptured large left paraclinoid aneurysm. Cerebral angiography confirmed the diagnosis. The patient did not tolerate a balloon test occlusion for therapeutic Hunterian internal carotid occlusion. The patient was subsequently taken to the operating room for a craniotomy and clip ligation of the aneurysm.

Intervention:

A standard left pterional craniotomy was performed with opening of the sylvian fissure and exposure of the left paraclinoid aneurysm. Intraoperative angiography with introduction of a new endovascular embolectomy device was performed. The device was deployed to achieve temporary occlusion of the cervical internal carotid artery, and aspiration through the central lumen allowed for retrograde suction decompression of the aneurysm. Collapse of the aneurysm through this technique permitted visualization of the aneurysmal neck with successful clip ligation.

Conclusion:

A new endovascular embolectomy device can be used to safely perform suction decompression of large paraclinoid aneurysms to facilitate clip ligation.

Large ophthalmic segment aneurysms with anterior optic pathway compression: assessment of anatomical and visual outcomes after endosaccular coil therapy

Object

The optimal therapy for ophthalmic segment aneurysms with anterior optic pathway compression (AOPC) is undecided. Surgical results have been described, but the results of endovascular coil therapy have not been well documented.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed data obtained in all patients who harbored unruptured ophthalmic segment aneurysms with AOPC who underwent endovascular coil therapy at their institution. They analyzed baseline and outcome visual function, aneurysm features, extent of aneurysm closure, internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, additional interventions, and neurological outcome.

In 17 patients (16 women), age 38 to 83 years, there were 28 affected eyes. All aneurysms were greater than 10 mm in diameter. In the initial procedures 16 of 17 patients received endosaccular coils and the ICA was preserved; in one patient the aneurysm was trapped and the ICA occluded. Patients then underwent follow up for a mean of 2.90 years (range 1 month–11.2 years) after the last procedure. One patient died of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) 1 month postoperatively and thus no follow-up data were available for this case. Vision worsened in six patients, stabilized in four, and improved in six. Twelve patients underwent 13 subsequent procedures, including endovascular ICA occlusion in seven, repeated coil therapy in five, and optic nerve decompression in one; vision improved in 83% of these cases after ICA occlusion. A second patient died of SAH 5 months after repeated coil treatment. At the final follow up, vision had improved in eight patients (50%), stabilized in four (25%), and worsened in four (25%). In 16 patients with follow-up studies, aneurysm closure was complete in eight (50%) and incomplete in eight (50%).

Conclusions

The authors found that in patients with ophthalmic segment aneurysms causing chronic AOPC, endosaccular platinum coil therapy, with ICA preservation, may not benefit vision and that additional procedures may be needed. Evaluation of their results suggests that endovascular trapping of the aneurysm and sacrifice of the ICA appear to result in good visual, clinical, and anatomical outcomes.

Optic Strut as a Radiographic Landmark in Evaluating Neck Location of a Paraclinoid Aneurysm

OBJECTIVE:

The optic strut (OS) is a candidate landmark in computed tomographic (CT) angiographic scans for the discrimination of intradural and extradural/intracavernous aneurysms involving the paraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery. The goal of this study is to examine and confirm the qualifications of the OS as a landmark in CT angiographic scans for the preoperative evaluation of aneurysms in this region.

METHODS:

Seventeen consecutive patients with 18 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent preoperative CT angiography scans and direct surgery between 1998 and 2005 were evaluated retrospectively. We focused on the relationships of the necks of aneurysms to the OS in CT angiographic scans and that of the necks to proximal dural rings during intraoperative examinations.

RESULTS:

Direct surgery revealed that 14 aneurysms, the necks of which were distal to the OS on CT angiographic scans, arose distal to the proximal dural rings. All aneurysms were clipped, except one exhibiting calcification of the neck. Three aneurysms, for which the neck was proximal to the OS on CT angiographic scans, revealed only a portion or nothing of their domes instead of their necks through the proximal dural rings after dissection of the distal dural rings. Dome coating with fibrin glue and a piece of muscle tissue or mere exploration was performed. Another aneurysm, of which the neck straddled the OS on CT angiographic scans, was found to arise across the proximal dural ring. Clipping of the neck was performed after dissection of the proximal dural ring. Of the source images of CT angiographic scans, the axial images were the most useful in evaluating the relationship of the neck of an aneurysm to the OS.

CONCLUSION:

On CT angiographic scans, the OS is a precise identification of the proximal dural ring that forms the superior border of the cavernous sinus. The aneurysms whose necks arise obviously distal to the OS on CT angiographic scans are able to be clipped without dissection of the proximal dural ring.

Retrograde suction decompression of giant paraclinoid aneurysms using a No. 7 French balloon–containing guide catheter

✓ The treatment of large and giant paraclinoid carotid artery (CA) aneurysms often requires the use of suction decompression for safe and effective occlusion. Both open and endovascular suction decompression techniques have been described previously. In this article the authors describe a revised endovascular suction decompression technique that provides several advantages in the treatment of large and giant paraclinoid and CA aneurysms.

A 51-year-old woman presented with a relatively brief history of progressive visual loss in the right eye, nonspecific headache, and an afferent pupillary defect. After angiography studies had been obtained, it was determined that she had a giant right paraclinoid internal CA aneurysm with a dome size of approximately 26 mm on the right and a neck diameter of 10 mm.

A modified technique was performed in which suction decompression was used. With the aid of a No. 7 French Concentric balloon guide catheter (Concentric Medical, Inc., Mountain View, CA) and application of a temporary clip distal to the aneurysm, the aneurysm was trapped and decompressed using retrograde suction through the guide catheter when the balloon was inflated. After satisfactory placement of three permanent clips, an intraoperative angiogram obtained through the same guide catheter confirmed CA patency. The aneurysm was then punctured and aspirated, ensuring complete occlusion of the aneurysm sac and reconstruction of the parent vessel. The patient made an excellent recovery and did not suffer any complications. She did not experience worsening in her vision.

This technical modification to endovascular suction decompression allows several potential advantages, including higher volume decompression and the ability to deliver endovascular devices to distal arterial locations.

Complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms: importance of preoperative evaluation with temporary balloon occlusion test and SPECT

In the treatment of complex paraclinoidal and giant cavernous aneurysms, preservation of the patency of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is not always possible, and therapeutic occlusion of the carotid is still an important option for their management. A complete preoperative evaluation of the carotid reserve circulation, including the use of temporary balloon occlusion test and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) should be included in the current paradigms of paraclinoidal and intracavernous aneurysms management. We present a series of fifteen patients with sixteen giant or complex carotid cavernous or ophthalmic aneurysms that were treated following a protocol for our preoperative decision-making analysis. Extracranial to intracranial saphenous vein bypass was reserved to the cases where carotid occlusion would be associated with high risk of ischemic complications and was performed in three patients. Besides the difficulties in dealing with those complex aneurysms, good clinical outcome was possible in our experience with the designed paradigm.

Temporary Aneurysm Orifice Balloon Occlusion as an Alternative to Retrograde Suction Decompression for Giant Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms: Technical Note

OBJECTIVE:

Giant paraclinoid carotid artery aneurysms frequently require the temporary interruption of local circulation to facilitate safe clip occlusion. Owing to the brisk retrograde blood flow through the ophthalmic artery and cavernous branches, the simple trapping of the aneurysm by cervical internal carotid artery clamping and intracranial distal clipping may not adequately soften the lesion. Retrograde suction decompression aspiration of this collateral supply by a catheter introduced into the cervical internal carotid artery is a popular method to achieve aneurysm deflation. With a large collateral supply, the method is not effective enough. The advent of relatively long and maneuverable soft balloons allows temporary occlusion of the aneurysm orifice.

METHODS:

We applied this method in two instances of giant carotid ophthalmic aneurysms. In both instances, a 15- to 20-mm-long and 4-mm-wide occlusion balloon was inserted in the internal carotid artery at the level of the aneurysm before craniotomy. After craniotomy and dissection of the aneurysm neck, the balloon was inflated under intraoperative angiographic control.

RESULTS:

The aneurysm became soft enough in both cases without tapping and aspiration to allow safe clip occlusion. In the first case, the postoperative course was uneventful and visual acuity improved. A known additional infraclinoid part of the aneurysm was eliminated endovascularly 5 months later using balloon-protected injection of vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx; Micro Therapeutics, Inc., Irvine, CA). In the second case, a postoperative symptomatic vasospasm developed 15 hours after surgery. Hypertensive therapy resulted in the disappearance of symptoms and an otherwise uneventful course with improvement of vision.

CONCLUSION:

This preliminary experience suggests that this new method is a feasible alternative to retrograde suction decompression.

Combined endovascular and microsurgical management of giant and complex unruptured aneurysms

Object

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and describe the technical features of combined endovascular and microsurgical treatments for complex and giant unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify all patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms who were treated with combined techniques. Twenty-one lesions were treated in as many patients: six lesions involved the posterior cerebral artery (PCA); seven the cavernous portion of the internal carotid artery (ICA); two the basilar apex; two the basilar trunk; and one each the anterior communicating artery, anterior cerebral artery, petrous ICA, and cervical ICA. Aneurysms were treated with combined extracranial–intracranial bypass procedures and parent-vessel occlusion, flow redirection, or arterial transposition.

Aneurysm occlusion was achieved in 20 patients. In the remaining patient the aneurysm recurred, requiring stent-assisted repeated coil placement. Three patients suffered permanent neurological deficits related to treatment, and three died, two of whom had basilar trunk aneurysms.

Conclusions

Certain complex aneurysms may be treated optimally by combining endovascular and surgical procedures. A low incidence of complications follows treatment of anterior circulation aneurysms. Treatment of complex posterior circulation aneurysms is associated with a higher incidence of complications, although this likely reflects the more complex nature of these lesions. The risks of this combined treatment strategy are likely lower than the risks associated with the natural history of this subset of aneurysms.

Aneurisma paraclinóideo: técnica cirúrgica e resultados em 51 pacientes

Analisam-se 51 pacientes portadores de 55 aneurismas paraclinóideos (APC) submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. Em decorrência de tratar-se de procedimento de alta complexidade, descrevemos em pormenor os seus aspectos técnicos. O processo clinóideo anterior foi removido por via extradural após secção da duplicação dural da tenda da fissura orbitária superior e/ou por via intradural. Conseguiu-se exclusão do APC nos 51 pacientes. Em dois casos a clipagem foi parcial e, em três, ocorreu oclusão da ACI. Em 42 (82%) pacientes ocorreu bom resultado; em 5 (10%), incapacidade moderada; em 1 (2%), incapacidade grave e três (6%) faleceram por infarto cerebral. Sete (13,7%) pacientes tiveram lesão adicional do nervo óptico, sendo parcial em 4 (7,7%) e total em 3 (6%).

Extracorporeal femoral to carotid artery perfusion in selective brain cooling for a giant aneurysm

Giant partially thrombosed intracranial aneurysms are a challenge to treat surgically, and they are also unsuitable for coil embolization. The current options for treatment include extracranial-intracranial bypass followed by parent artery occlusion or direct surgical occlusion in which deep hypothermic circulatory arrest is used. The authors report the use of another approach in the treatment of a giant anterior circulation aneurysm: selective brain cooling accomplished by extracorporeal perfusion. This facilitated direct surgery on a 4.2-cm, partially thrombosed aneurysm of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). A brain temperature of 22 degrees C was achieved after 20 minutes of perfusion with blood cooled using an extracorporeal technique of femoral-common carotid artery perfusion. This was followed by a 20-minute period of surgical trapping of the MCA, then evacuation and clip occlusion of the aneurysm. During the period of selective brain cooling the patient's core body temperature was maintained above 35 degrees C. This technique of selective brain cooling may be a useful alternative to currently available surgical and endovascular methods of treatment for giant aneurysms.

Unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms: a management strategy

OBJECT

To elucidate an optimal managenent strategy for unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms, the authors retrospectively reviewed their experience in the treatment of 100 patients who underwent 112 procedures for111 paraclinoid aneurysms performed using direct surgery and/or endovascular treatment.

METHODS

Between 1997 and 2002, 111 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms categorized according to a modified al-Rodhan classification (Group la, 30 anterior wall lesions; Group lb, 25 ventral paraclinoid lesions; Group IL 18 true ophthalmic artery lesions; Group III, 37 carotid cave lesions; and Group IV, one transitional lesion) were treated by direct surgery (35 lesions) and/or endovascular treatment (77 lesions) (one aneurysm was treated by both procedures). In lesions in Groups Ia, Ib, II, and III that were treated by endovascular treatment, complete aneurysm obliteration was achieved in 50, 65, 50, and 78%, respectively, and the combined transient and permanent morbidity rates due to cerebral embolic events were 20, 25, 20, and 13.9%, respectively. Overall, the transient morbidity rate after endovascular treatment was 14.3% and the permanent morbidity rate was 6.5%. Notably, permanent visual deficits caused by retinal embolism occurred after endovascular treatment in two patients with Group II aneurysms. Direct surgery was mainly performed in Groups Ia (20 lesions), Ib (five lesions), and II (eight lesions), with complete neck clip occlusion achieved in 80, 80, and 71.4%, respectively; the transient and permanent morbidity rates associated with aneurysms treated by surgery were 8.6 and 2.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular therapy for superiorly projecting paraclinoid aneurysms (Groups Ia and II) is associated with lower rates of complete obliteration than direct surgery, and with rates of cerebral embolic events comparable to those of endovascular treatment in the other groups. Furthermore, endovascular treatment for Group II aneurysms entails additional risks of retinal embolism. Therefore, direct surgery is recommended for the treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms projecting superiorly. For other groups, especially for Group III, endovascular treatment is the acceptable first line of therapy.

Selective cerebral revascularization as an adjunct in the treatment of giant anterior circulation aneurysms

Cerebral revascularization, an indispensable component of neurovascular surgery, has been performed in the treatment of cranial base tumors, complex cerebral aneurysms, and occlusive cerebrovascular disease. The goal of a revascularization procedure is to augment blood flow distally. It can therefore be used as an adjunctive measure in the treatment of complex neurosurgical disease processes that require parent artery sacrifice for definitive treatment. In the treatment of giant anterior circulation aneurysms, for instance, a cerebral revascularization procedure may be considered in patients in whom the collateral circulation is marginal and in whom lesions may be treated either using a Hunterian-based strategy or clip-assisted reconstruction requiring a prolonged period of temporary occlusion. To date, there is no entirely effective method known to produce long-term tolerance to carotid artery (CA) sacrifice and, largely for that reason, some neurovascular surgeons advocate universal revascularization. The authors of this report, however, prefer to perform revascularization only in the limited subset of patients in whom preoperative assessment has revealed risk factors for cerebral ischemia due to hypoperfusion. In this paper, the authors introduce their protocol for assessing cerebrovascular reserve capacity, indications for cerebral revascularization in the treatment of complex anterior circulation aneurysms, and discuss their rationale for choosing to practice selective, rather than universal, revascularization.

[Giant supratentorial intracranial aneurysms. Analysis of 22 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Giant intracranial aneurysms represent 2 to 5% of all aneurysms. They are well characterized from the anatomical and clinical point of view. Their natural history shows its potential lethality. Surgical treatment of giant aneurysms is a challenge for neurosurgeons.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients were operated on through pterional craniotomy, specialized neuroanesthesia and microneurosurgical technics. Auxiliary methods like transitory clipping and retrograde decompression-suction technique were applied. Patients were followed at intensive care units and they were evaluated three months after the operation. Nineteen patients were in the fourth and sixth decade of life. Seventeen were females. Aneurysms were located at middle cerebral artery bifurcation; paraclinoidal carotid artery; proximal anterior cerebral artery and carotid bifurcation. Ninety one percent of aneurysms were clipped. Retrograde decompression-suction technique was performed in thirteen cases.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients had good outcome and one patient died (4.5%). There were 6 postoperative complications and in four disappeared three months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Giant aneurysms were operated on following main neurosurgical rules helped by auxiliar procedures to reduce aneurysms size and wall, aneurysms tension. New knowledge about giants aneurysms and the development of new techniques will permit better results.

Endoscope-assisted clipping of a superior hypophyseal artery aneurysm without removal of the anterior clinoid process. Case report

A 47-year-old man presented with a superior hypophyseal artery aneurysm and an ipsilateral posterior communicating artery aneurysm. Both lesions were successfully clipped without removal of the anterior clinoid process or retraction of the optic nerve by using endoscopic guidance. The endoscope was introduced into the prechiasmatic cistern and provided a clear visual field around the aneurysm that could not be seen via the operating microscope. The endoscope was useful in the identification of the medially projecting lesion and the small perforating branches of the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery. A fenestrated clip could be introduced around the neck of the aneurysm and placed in the best position under endoscopic guidance. Endoscopy-assisted clipping is potentially a very useful procedure for aneurysm surgery.

Results after surgical and endovascular treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms by a combined neurovascular team

OBJECTIVE

Advances in surgical and endovascular techniques have improved treatment for paraclinoid aneurysms. A combined surgical and endovascular team can formulate individualized treatment strategies for patients with paraclinoid aneurysms. Patients who are considered to be at high surgical risk can be treated endovascularly to minimize morbidity. We reviewed the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 238 paraclinoid aneurysms treated by our combined surgical and endovascular unit.

METHODS

From 1991 to 1999, the neurovascular team treated 238 paraclinoid aneurysms in 216 patients at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The modality of treatment for each aneurysm was chosen based on anatomic and clinical risk factors, with endovascular treatment offered to patients considered to have higher surgical risks. One hundred eighty aneurysms were treated by direct surgery, 57 were treated by endovascular occlusion, and one was treated by surgical extracranial-intracranial bypass and endovascular internal carotid artery balloon occlusion. Locations were transitional, 12 (5%); carotid cave, 11 (5%); ophthalmic, 131 (55%); posterior carotid wall, 38 (16%); and superior hypophyseal 46 (19%). Lesions contained completely within the cavernous sinus were excluded from this analysis.

RESULTS

Using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), overall clinical outcomes were excellent or good (GOS 5 or 4), 86%; fair (GOS 3), 7%; poor (GOS 2), 4%; and death (GOS 1), 3%. Among the surgically treated patients, 90% experienced excellent or good outcomes (GOS 5 or 4), 6% had fair outcomes (GOS 3), 2% had poor outcomes (GOS 2), and 3% died (GOS 1). Among the endovascularly treated patients, 74% had excellent or good outcomes (GOS 5 or 4), 12% had fair outcomes (GOS 3), 10% had poor outcomes (GOS 2), and 4% died (GOS 1). The overall major and minor complication rate from surgery was 29%, with a 6% surgery-related permanent morbidity rate and a mortality rate of 0%. The overall major and minor complication rate from endovascular treatment was 21%, with a 3% endovascular-related permanent morbidity rate and a 2% mortality rate. Visual outcomes for patients who presented with visual symptoms were as follows: improved, 69%; no change, 25%; worsened, 6%; and new visual deficits, 3%. In general, angiographic efficacy was lower in the endovascular treatment group.

CONCLUSION

A combined team approach of direct surgery and endovascular coiling can lead to good outcomes in the treatment for paraclinoid aneurysms, including high-risk lesions that might not have been treated in previous surgical series.

Management and outcomes in a low-volume cerebral aneurysm practice

OBJECTIVE

To review management strategies, outcomes, and complications in cerebral aneurysm surgery in a low-volume aneurysm practice.

METHODS

Seventy-nine craniotomies to treat aneurysms were performed between June 1996 and November 1999. Patient management strategy is outlined, complications are assessed, and outcomes are described.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients underwent surgery to treat unruptured aneurysms. Forty-two patients presented with Hunt and Hess Grade 1 to 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage. Eleven patients presented with Grade 4 or 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twenty-four patients (92.3%) with unruptured aneurysms experienced favorable outcomes. Of the patients with unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms, 96% achieved favorable recoveries. Thirty-eight patients (90.5%) with Grade 1 to 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage experienced favorable outcomes; four of these patients were moderately disabled. Among patients with Grade 1 to 3 subarachnoid hemorrhage, the mortality rate was 7.1%. Of patients with Grade 4 or 5 subarachnoid hemorrhage, five (45.5%) experienced favorable outcomes, but four of these patients were moderately disabled; two patients (18.2%) were severely disabled, and four patients (36.4%) died.

CONCLUSION

Acceptable clinical outcomes can be achieved in lower-volume aneurysm practices. A multidisciplinary subspecialty approach with aggressive perioperative care, especially in the prevention and treatment of cerebral vasospasm, is important in obtaining these results. Close interaction with medical consultants and other subspecialists is necessary.

Intraoperative endovascular treatment as an adjunct to microsurgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms

OBJECT

The endovascular procedure can provide proximal control, suction decompression, and prompt intraoperative angiography during microsurgical clipping of aneurysms of the paraclinoid segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The authors assess the safety and feasibility of this method in 24 consecutive cases.

METHODS

Frontotemporal craniotomy and radical pterionectomy were performed with the patient's head immobilized in a radiolucent frame while femoral artery catheterization was achieved. Before dural opening, a balloon catheter with a coaxial lumen was positioned and tested in the ICA, after which microsurgical exposure was completed, including intradural clinoid drilling and optic canal decompression. Trapping of the lesion was achieved by inflating the balloon and placing a temporary clip beyond the aneurysm neck. The catheter was gently aspirated to achieve suction decompression and to facilitate clip application. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography was then performed. Twenty-two aneurysms were larger than 10 mm, and 11 of them were giant. Six patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and nine with visual symptoms. Balloon occlusion and suction decompression were performed in 16 cases (67%), and proximal control alone in 1 case. Intraoperative angiography was performed in every case. Subsequent clip readjustment was necessary in seven cases, including three cases of residual aneurysm filling and four of ICA compromise. Complete aneurysm obliteration was achieved in 20 cases, and greater than 90% obliteration in 22. One major infarct likely related to catheter thromboembolism was found. There were no instances of visual deterioration or other complications attributable to the endovascular procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The endovascular method allows safe and reliable proximal control, suction decompression, and intraoperative angiography in microsurgical treatment of large paraclinoid aneurysms.

Clinical presentation and management of giant anterior communicating artery region aneurysms

OBJECT

The authors reviewed their 20-year experience with giant anterior communicating artery aneurysms to correlate aneurysm size with clinical presentation and to analyze treatment methods.

METHODS

In 18 patients, visual and cognitive impairment were quantitated and clinical outcome was categorized according to the Rankin scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact test.

CONCLUSIONS

At least 3.5 cm of aneurysm mass effect was required to produce dementia in the patient (p = 0.0004). Dementia was usually caused by direct brain compression by the aneurysm rather than by hydrocephalus. Optic apparatus compression occurred with smaller aneurysms (2.7-3.2 cm) when they pointed inferiorly. Aneurysm neck clipping was possible in half of the cases. Special techniques, including temporary clipping, evacuation of intraluminal thrombus, tandem and/or fenestrated clipping, and clip reconstruction were often required. Occlusion of or injury to the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) was the main cause of poor outcome or death. Proximal ACA occlusion, even of dominant A1 segments with small or no contralateral A1 artery, was an effective treatment alternative and was well tolerated as a result of excellent leptomeningeal collateral circulation.

Angioscopy-assisted aneurysm clipping

OBJECTIVE

To test the concept that endovascular angioscopy can assist surgical intracranial aneurysm clipping by providing an endoluminal view of the aneurysm-parent vessel complex.

METHODS

A carotid bifurcation aneurysm was surgically created in a dog at the lingual artery origin. A balloon catheter was inflated proximal to the aneurysm to block proximal blood flow and allow endoluminal visualization. A flexible angioscope connected to a video monitoring system and to a high-intensity light source was then advanced within the catheter lumen and positioned immediately distal to the catheter tip. The aneurysm neck was clipped, and the clip was repositioned several times along the neck, with or without distal parent vessel compromise. Each time, the endovascular image on the monitor was interpreted by an observer blinded to the position of the clip. Clip position and image interpretation were communicated independently to a third person, who analyzed the correlation between them.

RESULTS

Angioscopy allowed clear visualization of the extent of aneurysm neck occlusion (complete, incomplete, residual "dog ear") after clip application, as well as the presence or absence of distal parent vessel compromise. Aneurysm neck configuration, size, presence of thrombus, and suture line definition were depicted. Critical structures external to the aneurysm-parent vessel complex were transilluminated by the high-intensity lamp.

CONCLUSION

Although acknowledged as the treatment of choice for intracranial aneurysms, surgical exclusion can be accompanied by significant morbidity related to perforator occlusion, parent artery compromise, and/or persistent residual aneurysm. The availability of a device allowing visualization of an aneurysm from an endoluminal perspective theoretically could reduce the incidence of these complications. Angioscopy has the potential to become a useful adjunct during intracranial aneurysm clipping because it provides real-time endoluminal viewing of the aneurysm-distal parent vessel complex, which is sometimes obscured to the surgeon.

A combined transorbital-transclinoid and transsylvian approach to carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms without retraction of the brain

A series of 138 patients with 143 carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms (COAs) have been treated by direct surgical approach over the past 15 years. In 5 cases the COAs were bilateral and in 15 cases either one or more aneurysms were associated with a COA. Of the 143 COAs, 87 were small, 41 large and 15 were giant. Seventy-four COAs bled, while 69 were diagnosed either incidentally or else manifested themselves through neurological deficits resulting from compression of the adjacent structures by the aneurysms. Visual deficits were diagnosed in all the patients with large/giant COAs and in 27 patients with small COAs. Of the whole series of patients operated on for COAs, 2 died after surgery. Two patients had endocrinological deficits, 2 had hemiparesis, 36 had the same visual deficits as prior to surgery, whereas in 47 patients the visual function improved. Of all the 138 patients, 96 remained without neurological deficits, and the 36 patients with the same visual deficits as preoperatively also showed no neurological deficits after surgery and hence they were able to resume their previous way of life. Vasospasm did not occur in patients with COA(s) only, but was observed in 6 out of 15 patients with multiple aneurysms where subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) had occurred due to a rupture of an aneurysm other than the COA. There has been a major change in the surgical approach to COAs, from the classical pterional intradural approach to the transorbital-transclinoid and transsylvian approach which is described in this report. The latter approach provides ample space for proximal and distal control of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and makes it possible to deal with demanding large/giant COAs safely. In the series presented, there was no case of premature rupture of the aneurysm. Moreover, since we started using the described approach to COAs, retraction of the brain has not been necessary, regardless of the size of the aneurysm.

Retrograde suction decompression of paraclinoid aneurysm--a revised technique

BACKGROUND

Aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment of the carotid artery are difficult lesions to handle. Batjer and Samson described the technique of suction decompression of the aneurysm by inserting a needle and aspirating blood from the internal carotid artery in the neck. However, this method carries a risk of arterial dissection and distal embolization.

METHOD

We describe a revised technique for suction decompression of paraclinoid aneurysms. The method makes use of the anatomical advantage of the carotid bifurcation. Instead of direct clamping of the internal carotid artery, we isolated the common and external carotid arteries and decompressed the aneurysm via the external carotid artery. We also saved the aspirated blood for autotransfusion.

RESULTS

We have used this technique in two elderly patients with good results.

CONCLUSION

This technique avoids dissection of the internal carotid artery and minimizes the risk of embolization.

A combined microsurgical skull-base and endovascular approach to giant and large paraclinoid aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The treatment of giant and large paraclinoid aneurysms remains challenging. To improve exposure, facilitate the dissection of aneurysms, assure vascular control, reduce brain retraction and temporary occlusion time, enable simultaneous treatment of associated lesions, and achieve more successful treatment of "difficult" (atherosclerotic and calcified) aneurysms, we combined the skull-base approach with endovascular balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and suction decompression of the aneurysm.

METHODS

Sixteen female patients were treated, eight with giant aneurysms and eight with large aneurysms. Eight aneurysms occurred on the right side and eight on the left. Eight patients had an additional aneurysm; five were clipped during the same procedure. Three patients had infundibular arterial dilation. One patient had an associated hemangioma of the ipsilateral cavernous sinus. The cranio-orbital-zygomatic approach was used for all patients. The anterior clinoid was drilled, and the optic nerve was decompressed, dissected, and mobilized. Transfemoral temporary balloon occlusion of the ICA in the neck was followed by placement of a temporary clip proximal to the posterior communicating artery. Suction decompression was then applied. All aneurysms were then successfully clipped, except one that had a calcified neck and wall that could not be collapsed. Intraoperative angiography performed in 13 of 15 patients with clipped aneurysms confirmed obliteration of the aneurysm and patency of the blood vessels.

RESULTS

Postoperative results were good in 14 patients. One patient had right-sided hemiplegia and expressive aphasia, which improved after rehabilitation. One patient with an additional basilar tip aneurysm clipped simultaneously died on the fifth postoperative day because of intraventricular hemorrhage. The origin of bleeding could not be determined on autopsy. Surgical difficulties and morbidity stemmed mainly from a severely calcified or atherosclerotic aneurysmal neck.

CONCLUSION

The combination of skull-base approaches and endovascular balloon occlusion coupled with suction decompression is a successful option for the treatment of these challenging aneurysms.

Mild hypothermia: an alternative to deep hypothermia for achieving neuroprotection

The role of excitotoxins in the ischemic cascade that results in ischemic neuronal death has been clearly defined and has brought about attempts to halt the progression of neurologic damage. Improved understanding of this process has allowed for the development of interventions to optimize neurologic outcome following periods of ischemia. Deep hypothermia (15-22 degrees C) has long been recognized as one method of achieving neuroprotection, but is not without serious implications and risks to the patient. Mild hypothermia (32-34 degrees C) is evolving as an alternative neuroprotective measure that has been shown to improve neurologic outcome in experimental models of ischemia and head injury, as well as in recent head injury clinical trials. It has been safely used intraoperatively in a large series of patients undergoing craniotomy. Mild hypothermia is a technique that may soon be commonly employed alone or in conjunction with other methods of neuroprotection. Nurses caring for patients undergoing this technique must be aware of the practice implications associated with this procedure and adapt their care accordingly.

Open surgery of giant paraclinoid aneurysms improved by intraoperative angiography and endovascular retrograde suction decompression

In three consecutive cases of giant left sided paraclinoid aneurysms we employed an endovascular retrograde suction decompression technique in combination with intra-operative angiography. A double-lumen balloon catheter was placed in the left internal carotid artery by the transfemoral route. After balloon inflation and placement of a temporary clip distal to the aneurysm blood was aspirated and the aneurysm collapsed. Thus further dissection of the aneurysm could easily be achieved and clips could be placed. Afterwards real-time digital subtraction angiography was performed. Intra-operative angiography led to clip repositioning in all cases either due to a clip induced stenosis of the parent vessel, or because of incomplete aneurysm obliteration. Afterwards successful clipping could be confirmed in all cases. Outcome was excellent in one case, good in the other. The third case, extremely complicated by an accompanying craniopharyngioma, showed a satisfactory outcome, but presented new neurological deficits.

Intraoperative angiography in cerebral aneurysm surgery: a prospective study of 100 craniotomies

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency of unexpected major arterial occlusion and incomplete aneurysm clipping on intraoperative angiography after cerebral aneurysm clipping and to determine factors that predict these unexpected findings.

METHODS

Data was collected prospectively on 100 consecutive craniotomies for the clipping of 107 aneurysms in 92 patients. Patient age and sex, aneurysm location and size, how the aneurysm presented, day of surgery after hemorrhage, intraoperative rupture, and postoperative course were recorded. After clipping, the surgeon recorded whether he thought the aneurysm was obliterated and whether he thought the clip occluded a major artery. Intraoperative angiography was then performed. The incidence of unexpectedly finding a major arterial occlusion or residual aneurysm was determined. Factors predicting these unexpected findings revealed by intraoperative angiography were identified by logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 11 giant (10%), 13 posterior circulation (12%), and 68 (64%) ruptured aneurysms. Unexpected angiographic findings necessitating at least one clip adjustment occurred in 12 cases (11%). Clip readjustments restored flow through six major arterial occlusions (6%) and completely obliterated 10 persistently filling aneurysms (10%). Logistic regression showed that factors predicting an unexpected arterial occlusion were giant aneurysm and basilar apex location (P < 0.05). Unexpected residual aneurysm was predicted by giant aneurysm and posterior communicating artery location (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative angiography detects unexpected arterial occlusions and residual aneurysms in 12% of cases and can decrease complications of aneurysm surgery, although the yield in unselected patients is low. The subgroup of patients with giant, basilar apex, and posterior communicating artery aneurysms has a significantly higher incidence of untoward findings and may benefit from increased usage of intraoperative angiography.

Aneurysm clipping after endovascular treatment with coils: a report of eight patients

Between January 1990 and December 1994, patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage related to ruptured aneurysms who were referred to our institution were treated by neurosurgical and neuroradiological teams. In each patient, the respective indications for neurosurgical or endovascular treatment were discussed, taking into consideration patients' age and the morphological and topographical aneurysm features. We report eight cases of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage who underwent operations after primary endovascular procedures (Hunt and Hess scores III, IV, and V). The indications for surgical treatment were as follows. First, deliberate partial occlusion of the aneurysm (two aneurysms of the internal carotid artery and one aneurysm of the anterior communicating artery) was performed to obtain only partial clotting of the aneurysm sac by free coils. However, this procedure was discontinued in favor of the use of Guglielmi detachable coils. The second indication was partial occlusion after an endovascular procedure (two aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery and one internal carotid artery aneurysm). The third indication was re-expansion of the aneurysm 1 year after the endovascular treatment (one middle cerebral artery aneurysm). The final indication was secondary rupture of the aneurysm sac and false aneurysm around the migrating coil (one aneurysm of the pericallosal artery). During surgery, the aneurysm sac appeared translucent. The coils bulged out and stretched the aneurysm sac. One ruptured the membrane leading to a subarachnoid hemorrhage during the endovascular procedure. No hemorrhage occurred during the surgical clipping. Aneurysm obliteration was easily performed, especially when the packing was partial, but was very difficult when the complete aneurysm closure led to a stenosis of the parent vessel. A giant sylvian aneurysm rest, visible only with angiography, was left untreated. This series illustrates an original experience, which led us to conclude that aneurysm surgery with coils in place is not as difficult as is often thought.

Intraoperative endovascular surgery for cerebral aneurysms

The application of a number of procedures that can be considered intraoperative endovascular neurosurgery has enhanced our ability to treat cerebral aneurysms from the abluminal surface. This study identifies a role for these techniques in the management of difficult aneurysms. A review of the last 1202 aneurysms undergoing direct clipping by the authors disclosed that these methods were used in 62 cases. Of these aneurysms, 36 arose from the internal carotid artery, 12 from the middle cerebral artery, eight from the vertebrobasilar distribution, and six from the anterior cerebral artery. The indications for applying these methods were large size (12-60 mm), intraluminal thrombus, broad neck, plaque at the neck, the potential compromise of branches at the base of the aneurysm, or a combination of these problems. The most frequently chosen intraoperative technique was suction decompression with direct removal of plaque and thrombus using suction, dissection, and/or ultrasonic aspiration. The application of temporary clips was required in all cases in which the aneurysm was opened before definitive clipping. No special pharmacological cerebral protective regimen was used. In one case in which a greater occlusion time was anticipated, cardiopulmonary bypass with profound hypothermia was performed. A favorable outcome was achieved in 73% of these difficult cases. An increased neurological deficit after surgery was seen in 11%, and the mortality rate was 8%. These methods should be considered and can be anticipated before surgery for unusual aneurysms. Many cases now being considered for embolization may be more suitable for definitive surgical obliteration.

Hunterian proximal arterial occlusion for giant aneurysms of the carotid circulation

Hunterian proximal artery occlusion was used in the treatment of 160 of 335 patients harboring giant aneurysms of the anterior circulation. One hundred and thirty-three of these aneurysms arose from the internal carotid arteries, 20 from the middle cerebral arteries, and seven from the anterior cerebral arteries. Ninety percent of the patients had satisfactory outcomes. The safety of internal carotid artery occlusion has been greatly enhanced by preoperative flow studies and by test occlusion with an intracarotid balloon to identify those patients who require preliminary extracranial-to-intracranial bypass, which was used in all of the middle cerebral occlusions. The anterior cerebral artery had magnificent leptomeningeal collateral flow that prevented infarction even without cross flow. Obliteration of the aneurysm by thrombosis was complete, or nearly so, in all but four patients whose treatment was completed. Analysis of poor outcome in 16 patients revealed that hemodynamic ischemic infarction was known to occur after only two of the carotid occlusions.

Surgery for paraclinoidal carotid artery aneurysms

Aneurysms arising from the proximal carotid artery between the roof of the cavernous sinus and the origin of the posterior communicating artery pose conceptual and technical surgical problems with regard to acquisition of proximal control and safe intracranial exposure. Over the past 3 1/2 years, 89 patients with paraclinoidal aneurysms have been treated at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Thirty-nine (44%) of these patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. A total of 149 aneurysms and six arteriovenous malformations have been identified in this patient group such that 38 (43%) of the patients suffered multiple vascular anomalies. Temporary artery occlusion has been employed during operation in 48 cases (54%), permanent carotid artery occlusion in four (4%), and hypothermic circulatory arrest in two (2%). Twenty-two patients harbored giant aneurysms, seven of which had ruptured. Outcome was considered good in 77 patients (86.5%), fair in eight (9%), and poor in three (3%); one patient died. This concentrated experience permitted a practical anatomical grouping of aneurysms into three types: carotid-ophthalmic artery aneurysms with a superior or superomedial projection (44 cases); superior hypophyseal aneurysms with a medial or inferomedial projection (26 cases); and proximal posterior carotid artery wall aneurysms projecting posteriorly or posterolaterally (19 cases). Despite the fact that paraclinoidal aneurysms often disobey the traditional teachings of aneurysm development, having no vessel of origin or clear hemodynamic cause, this practical grouping has allowed individualized and focused operative approaches unique to each aneurysm projection with good visual function and outcome in most patients.

Progressive visual loss after electrothrombosis treatment of a giant intracranial aneurysm: case report

A case of worsening visual deficit after endovascular electrothrombosis therapy for a giant aneurysm of the internal carotid artery ophthalmic segment is presented. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms are suggested. The need for both collaboration between the neurovascular surgeon and the interventionalist and appropriate case selection is emphasized.

Combined endovascular and neurosurgical approach for paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms

The authors review the surgical management of nine complex paraclinoid aneurysms treated with the endovascular balloon catheter technique. With the patient under general anesthesia, the balloon catheter was guided into the feeding artery of the aneurysm by the Seldinger technique. After the aneurysm was exposed, the balloon was inflated temporarily to prevent premature rupture and to facilitate the dissection of the aneurysm. For the larger paraclinoid aneurysm, the double-lumen catheter was introduced into the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA). After temporarily trapping the aneurysm by balloon occlusion of the cervical ICA and clipping the intracranial ICA distal to the aneurysm, retrograde aspiration was performed to collapse the aneurysm. The complete collapse of the large aneurysm by this technique allows an easier dissection of the aneurysm and a safer application of suitable clips. Such a retrograde suction decompression method was used in six large aneurysms. Intraoperative digital subtraction angiography was performed in all cases after the aneurysmal clipping; in three aneurysms, repositioning the clip was required. Only one case of embolic complication was related to the vessel catheterization in this series, which was discovered during the operation. An embolectomy was performed immediately, and there were no postoperative sequelae. We conclude that the combined endovascular and neurosurgical approach, particularly for the large ICA aneurysms, which are difficult to control proximally, can be a useful method of treatment. To prevent complications related to thrombus formation, further refinement in the balloon catheter itself is still needed.

Clipping of proximal paraclinoid aneurysms with support of the balloon-catheter "trapping-evacuation" technique. Technical note

A method is described in which we use a combined endovascular balloon-catheter technique and open microneurosurgical approach for clipping aneurysms of the proximal paraclinoidal intracranial segment of the internal carotid artery. By temporary occlusion of the cervical carotid artery and continuously retrograde sucking of blood from the distal vessel via a double-lumen balloon-catheter, clip application to large and critically located aneurysms is facilitated applying evacuation-decompression to the trapped arterial segment under intra-operative SEP-monitoring.

Management of giant intracranial aneurysms

Based on an own material of 64 cases a survey is given on the management of giant intracranial aneurysms. Essential investigations are as well CT and Magnetic Resonance Scanning as detailed angiographic studies. With regard to the operative handling the following questions are discussed: approach; use of temporary vascular occlusion and related monitoring; preparation of the aneurysm neck for occlusion. In cases without recent subarachnoid haemorrhage morbidity and mortality were less than 10%. It was 15% in cases where recent haemorrhage had occurred.