Surgery on a saccular vertebral artery—posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm via the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach or the transcondylar approach: surgical results and indications for using two different lateral skull base approaches

2001 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshio Matsushima ◽  
Koichiro Matsukado ◽  
Yoshihiro Natori ◽  
Takanori Inamura ◽  
Tsutomu Hitotsumatsu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Skull Base ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Surgical Results ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hypoglossal Canal ◽  
Transcondylar Approach ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors report on the surgical results they achieved in caring for patients with vertebral artery—posterior inferior cerebellar artery (VA—PICA) saccular aneurysms that were treated via either the transcondylar fossa (supracondylar transjugular tubercle) approach or the transcondylar approach. In this report they clarify the characteristics of and differences between these two lateral skull base approaches. They also present the techniques they used in performing the transcondylar fossa approach, especially the maneuver used to remove the jugular tubercle extradurally without injuring the atlantooccipital joint. Methods. Eight patients underwent surgery for VA—PICA saccular aneurysms (six ruptured and two unruptured ones) during which one of the two approaches was performed. Clinical data including neurological and radiological findings and reports of the operative procedures were analyzed. The Glasgow Outcome Scale was used to estimate the activities of daily living experienced by the patients. In all cases the aneurysm was successfully clipped and no permanent neurological deficits remained, except for one case of severe vasospasm. In seven of the eight patients, the transcondylar fossa approach provided a sufficient operative field for clipping the aneurysm without difficulty. In the remaining patient, in whom the aneurysm was located at the midline on the clivus at the level of the hypoglossal canal, the aneurysm could not be found by using the transcondylar fossa approach; thus, the route was changed to the transcondylar approach, and clipping was performed below the hypoglossal nerve rootlets. Conclusions. Both approaches offer excellent visualization and a wide working field, with ready access to the lesion. This remarkably reduces the risk of development of postoperative deficits. These approaches should be used properly: the transcondylar fossa approach is indicated for aneurysms located above the hypoglossal canal and the transcondylar approach is indicated for those located below it.

Microsurgical anatomy of the extracranial—extradural origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

1999 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 645-652 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew D. Fine ◽  
Alberto Cardoso ◽  
Albert L. Rhoton
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Microsurgical Anatomy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Third ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
The Common ◽  
Bone Anomalies ◽  
Fine Print

Object. The authors describe the microsurgical anatomy of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) with an extradural origin and discuss its importance as a common variation.Methods. The microsurgical anatomy of paired PICAs with an extradural origin were examined.Conclusions. Five to 20% of PICAs have an extradural origin. In the case described, both PICAs arose extradurally from the third segment of the vertebral artery (VA). Both origins were less than 1 cm proximal to the site at which the VA penetrated the dura, and neither PICA gave rise to extradural branches. Extradurally, the PICAs coursed parallel to the VA and the C-1 nerve and the three structures penetrated the dura together. Intradurally, the PICAs remained lateral and posterior to the brainstem, whereas, in the common PICA configuration, the first segment of the PICA courses anterior to the medulla. Neither PICA sent branches to the anterior brainstem, which is commonly found in PICAs with an intradural origin. There were no soft-tissue or bone anomalies.

Posterior inferior to posterior inferior cerebellar artery anastomosis combined with trapping for vertebral artery aneurysm

1990 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 462-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
James I. Ausman ◽  
Fernando G. Diaz ◽  
Sean Mullan ◽  
Randy Gehring ◽  
Balaji Sadasivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Artery Ligation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Junction ◽  
Vertebral Aneurysm ◽  
The Right ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case is presented in which a giant intracranial vertebral artery aneurysm gave rise to an associated ipsilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) from its waist. Proximal vertebral artery ligation at C-1 was achieved. The aneurysm filled from the opposite vertebrobasilar junction. Direct intracranial trapping of the right vertebral aneurysm was followed by successful anastomosis of the proximally sectioned right PICA to the adjacent left PICA in an end-to-end fashion.

Treatment of vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm by aneurysm trapping and posterior inferior cerebellar artery reimplantation

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quentin J. Durward
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Normal Blood ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Normal Blood Flow ◽  
Vertebral Artery Dissecting Aneurysm ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The author presents the case of a patient with a ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm in which the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arose from the wall of the aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated by trapping and the PICA was anastomosed to the vertebral artery proximal to the dissection. This technique allows intraoperative obliteration of the aneurysm while maintaining normal blood flow to the PICA.

Vertebral artery—posterior inferior cerebellar artery bypass with a superficial temporal artery graft to treat aneurysms involving the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 867-871 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-ichiro Hamada ◽  
Tatemi Todaka ◽  
Shigetoshi Yano ◽  
Yutaka Kai ◽  
Motohiro Morioka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Superficial Temporal Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Temporal Artery ◽  
Graft Patency ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Lateral Medullary Syndrome ◽  
Fine Print

Object. In patients with aneurysms that require occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA), revascularization of this artery should be performed. A novel surgical method for revascularization of the PICA is presented. Methods. After a segment of the superficial temporal artery (STA) was harvested, the aneurysm was treated by trapping, followed by placement of a vertebral artery (VA)—PICA bypass in which the STA segment was used as a graft. When the length of the proximal PICA was inadequate, the distal end of the STA was anastomosed to the proximal PICA in an end-to-side fashion. When the length of the proximal PICA was adequate, the STA was anastomosed to the proximal PICA in an end-to-end fashion. In either case, the proximal end of the STA was anastomosed to the VA in an end-to-side fashion. This procedure was used in nine patients whose aneurysms involved the PICA. Although partial lateral medullary syndrome developed in one of them, follow-up evaluation revealed graft patency in all patients. There were no instances of recurrent hemorrhage or ischemia. Conclusions. Although this procedure requires harvesting of an STA graft and two anastomoses, it facilitates anterograde flow to the PICA territory. It also involves minimal mobilization of brainstem perforating vessels and the proximal PICA.

Microvascular anatomy of the anterior surface of the medulla oblongata and olive

1995 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ziya C. Akar ◽  
Manuel Dujovny ◽  
Estrella Gómez-Tortosa ◽  
Konstantin V. Slavin ◽  
James I. Ausman
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Medulla Oblongata ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Arterial Supply ◽  
Anterior Spinal Artery ◽  
Anterior Surface ◽  
Posterior Aspect ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The arterial supply and the microanatomy of the anterior surface of the medulla oblongata and olive were studied in 11 cadaveric specimens, with investigation of the size, course, and length of the arteries. Two distinct anatomical entities divide the vascular supply in this region: 1) the pyramid, which is the anterior surface of the medulla; and 2) the olive, which is adjacent to the lateral aspect of the pyramid. Primary vascularization of the pyramid was via small branches of the anterior spinal artery, a branch of the vertebral artery. Minute perforators from the anterior spinal artery were found in all specimens. Arterial supply to the olive varied by location: its anterior aspect was primarily supplied by the anterior spinal artery; the upper portion of the posterior aspect of the olive was supplied by the vertebral artery, the anterior inferior cerebellar artery, and the basilar artery; and the middle and lower portions of the posterior aspect were fed by the vertebral artery and posterior inferior cerebellar artery. These arteries supplied the medulla through the small branches directed toward the olive. The authors observed a wide anastomotic net connecting the small arteries in this area. These patterns of microvascular supply of the pyramid and olive may deepen the understanding of clinical and pathological conditions resulting from arterial occlusion. The existence of an anastomotic net may account for the rare incidence of medullary infarction in the olive region.

Use of the radial forearm microvascular free-flap graft for cranial base reconstruction

1999 ◽  
Vol 90 (4) ◽  
pp. 651-655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc S. Schwartz ◽  
James I. Cohen ◽  
Toby Meltzer ◽  
Michael J. Wheatley ◽  
Sean O. McMenomey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skull Base ◽  
Free Flap ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Csf Leak ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lateral Skull Base ◽  
Csf Leakage ◽  
Radial Forearm ◽  
Microvascular Free Flap ◽  
Fine Print

Object. Reconstruction of the cranial base after resection of complex lesions requires creation of both a vascularized barrier to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and tailored filling of operative defects. The authors describe the use of radial forearm microvascular free-flap grafts to reconstruct skull base lesions, to fill small tissue defects, and to provide an excellent barrier against CSF leakage.Methods. Ten patients underwent 11 skull base procedures including placement of microvascular free-flap grafts harvested from the forearm and featuring the radial artery and its accompanying venae comitantes. Operations included six craniofacial, three lateral skull base, and two transoral procedures for various diseases. Excellent results were obtained, with no persistent CSF leaks, no flap failures, and no operative infections. One temporary CSF leak was easily repaired with flap repositioning, and at one flap donor site minor wound breakdown was observed. One patient underwent a second procedure for tumor recurrence and CSF leakage at a site distant from the original operation.Conclusions. Microvascular free tissue transfer reconstruction of skull base defects by using the radial forearm flap provides a safe, reliable, low-morbidity method for reconstructing the skull base and is ideally suited to “low-volume” defects.

Balloon occlusion of a spontaneous fistula of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery

1983 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 287-290 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Viñuela ◽  
Allan J. Fox ◽  
Shinichi Kan ◽  
Charles G. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Balloon Occlusion ◽  
Cerebellar Syndrome ◽  
Detachable Balloon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fistula Site ◽  
Fine Print

✓ A case is reported of a large spontaneous right posterior inferior cerebellar artery fistula in which the patient presented with a right cerebellopontine (CP) angle and right cerebellar syndrome. The patient was successfully treated by balloon occlusion at the fistula site. The location of the arteriovenous fistula, the mass effect of its enlarged draining veins on the cerebellum and CP angle structures, and the simple therapeutic endovascular occlusion with a detachable balloon make this case unique.

Treatment of aneurysms by excision or trapping with arterial reimplantation or interpositional grafting

1996 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 178-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Youl Lee ◽  
Laligam N. Sekhar
Keyword(s):  
Superficial Temporal Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Giant Aneurysm ◽  
Temporal Artery ◽  
Left Vertebral Artery ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
First Case ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The authors report three cases of ruptured, large or giant aneurysms that were treated by excision or trapping, followed by revascularization of distal vessels by means of arterial reimplantation or superficial temporal artery interpositional grafting. In the first case, a large serpentine aneurysm arising from the anterior temporal branch of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) was excised and the distal segment of the anterior temporal artery was reimplanted into one of the branches of the MCA. In the second case, a giant aneurysm, fusiform in shape, arose from the rolandic branch of the MCA. This aneurysm was totally excised and the M3 branch in which it had been contained was reconstructed with an arterial interpositional graft. In the third case the patient, who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, had a dissecting aneurysm that involved the distal portion of the left vertebral artery. In this case the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) arose from the wall of the aneurysm and coursed onward to supply the brainstem. This aneurysm was managed by trapping and the PICA was reimplanted into the ipsilateral large anterior inferior cerebellar artery. None of the patients suffered a postoperative stroke and all recovered to a good or excellent postoperative condition. These techniques allowed complete isolation of the aneurysm from the normal blood circulation and preserved the blood flow through the distal vessel that came out of the aneurysm. These techniques should be considered as alternatives when traditional means of cerebral revascularization are not feasible.

Combined surgical and endovascular treatment of a giant vertebral artery aneurysm in a child

1994 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mazen H. Khayata ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler ◽  
Jan J. A. Mooy ◽  
James M. Herman ◽  
Harold L. Rekate
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Mass Effect ◽  
Left Vertebral Artery ◽  
Parent Artery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Coil Occlusion ◽  
Surgical Bypass

✓ The case is presented of a 5-year-old child who suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a giant left vertebral artery-posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm. Initial treatment consisted of surgical occlusion of the parent vertebral artery combined with a PICA-to-PICA bypass. Because of persistent filling of the aneurysm, the left PICA was occluded at its takeoff from the aneurysm. Endovascular coil occlusion of the aneurysm and the distal left vertebral artery enabled complete elimination of the aneurysm. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging and arteriography performed 6 months postoperatively showed persistent occlusion and elimination of the mass effect. Combined surgical bypass and endovascular occlusion of the parent artery may be a useful adjunct in the management of these aneurysms.

Ruptured aneurysm on a double origin of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery: a pathological entity in an anatomical variation

2002 ◽  
Vol 96 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Pasco ◽  
Francine Thouveny ◽  
Xavier Papon ◽  
Jean-Yves Tanguy ◽  
Philippe Mercier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endovascular Treatment ◽  
Anatomical Variation ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Anatomical Variations ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Small Branch ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Fourth Segment ◽  
Double Origin ◽  
Fine Print

✓ The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) is known to be very variable, and some of its anatomical variations can explain ischemic complications that occur during endovascular treatment of aneurysms. The authors report two cases of anatomical variation of the PICA that they have called its double origin, one of which gave rise to an aneurysm. The first patient was a 36-year-old man who presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage related to the rupture of a PICA aneurysm. The aneurysm was treated by the endovascular route. Selective and superselective studies showed that the PICA origin was low on the fourth segment of the vertebral artery (VA). The aneurysm was located on an anastomosis between the PICA and a small upper arterial branch originating from the VA. Embolization was performed through the small branch with no problem, but a lateral medullary infarct followed, probably due to occlusion of the perforating vessels. The same anatomical variation was incidentally discovered in the second patient. To the authors' knowledge, neither this anatomical variation of the PICA nor the aneurysm's topography have been previously described angiographically. This highlights the role of angiography in pretreatment evaluation of aneurysms especially when perforating vessels or small accessory branches that are poorly visualized on angiographic studies are concerned, as in the territory of the PICA. Anatomy is sometimes unpredictable, and the surgeon must be very careful when confronted with these variations because they are potentially dangerous for endovascular treatment.

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