Saphenous vein and radial artery grafts in the management of skull base tumors and aneurysms

Abstract

Cerebral revasularization procedures have had a significant impact in the management of difficult and large cranial base tumors, giant and fusiform aneurysms considered inoperable, and chronic ischemia refractory to maximal medical therapy. Based on our experience with saphenous vein and radial artery graft bypass procedures, we describe the indications, techniques, complications, and pitfalls with their avoidance and our results. Over a period of about 14 years we have operated on 127 patients, with 120 saphenous vein grafting and 12 radial artery grafting procedures being performed. The graft patency rate improved to 98% with the routine use of intraoperative angiography. The surgical mortality rate was 4%, including patients who were in a poor condition at the time of the operation.