Excision of a Large Complex Left Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm With a Middle Cerebral Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery and Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Abstract

Revascularization techniques for microsurgical manage-ment of middle cerebral artery (MCA) bifurcation aneurysms are often necessary for treatment of fusiform or giant aneurysms. Augmentation of the standard pterional approach to include an extended orbitozygomatic or modified orbitozygomatic approach provides a wider and more favorable approach to the MCA when attempting revascularization. Direct excision of a giant aneurysm (aneurysmectomy) with mobilization and reanastomosis of the MCA afterward has been reported. This patient had a giant MCA bifurcation aneurysm for which aneurysmectomy and distal reanastomosis were performed between the M1 and two M2 branches via a modified orbitozygomatic craniotomy. A second bypass between a third M2 branch at the ipsilateral superficial temporal artery was performed. Postoperative angiography confirmed patency of the bypasses. The patient gave informed consent for surgery and video recording. Institutional review board approval was deemed unnecessary. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.