Retrograde Suction Decompression Research Articles

How I do it: The microsurgical clipping of the giant paraclinoid aneurysm using the retrograde suction decompression technique.

Paraclinoid aneurysms account for 5.4% of all intracranial aneurysms. Giant aneurysms are found in 49% of these cases. The 5-year cumulative rupture risk is 40%. Microsurgical treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms is a complex challenge that requires a personalized approach. Extradural anterior clinoidectomy and optic canal unroofing were performed in addition to orbitopterional craniotomy. Falciform ligament and distal dural ring transection provided the internal carotid artery and optic nerve mobilization. Retrograde suction decompression was used to soften the aneurysm. Clip reconstruction was performed using tandem angled fenestration and parallel clipping techniques. Orbitopterional approach with extradural anterior clinoidectomy combined with retrograde suction decompression technique is a safe and effective modality for treatment of giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

Retrograde Suction Decompression for Clipping of a Giant Ophthalmic Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Microsurgical clipping of large paraclinoid aneurysms is challenging because of the complex anatomy of the dural rings, lack of easy proximal control, and wide aneurysm necks. Proximal retrograde suction decompression, or the Dallas technique, can reduce aneurysm turgor and, with aspiration of the trapped cervical and supraclinoid internal carotid arteries (ICAs), can collapse the aneurysm to aid microsurgical clipping.1-5 A woman in her late 30s presented with decreased right-eye visual acuity. Informed written consent was obtained for microsurgical management and publication. Upon cervical exposure of the carotid bifurcation, we performed a standard pterional craniotomy, trans-sylvian exposure, and intradural anterior clinoidectomy. After burst suppression and cross-clamping of the carotid, we inserted an angiocatheter at the common carotid artery (CCA). Distal temporary clips were placed on the posterior communicating artery and C7 ICA. With the cervical ICA unclamped, retrograde suction was continuously applied to deflate the aneurysm. We applied 2 pairs of fenestrated-booster clips to the aneurysm dome and a fifth clip to the aneurysm neck. After restoration of flow, indocyanine green angiography and Doppler assessments were performed. The proximal clip was converted into a curved clip to optimize ICA flow. Postoperative angiography confirmed complete occlusion of the aneurysm. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3, with stable visual acuity.6 This video demonstrates that retrograde suction decompression via the cervical CCA can be safely performed to facilitate clipping of complex paraclinoid ICA aneurysms. Comprehensive planning of temporary aneurysm trapping for suction decompression and permanent clip construct for aneurysm occlusion are needed for effective aneurysm repair.

Comparative Analysis of Feasibility of the Retrograde Suction Decompression Technique for Microsurgical Treatment of Large and Giant Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms.

ObjectiveRetrograde suction decompression (RSD) is an adjuvant technique used for the microsurgical treatment of large and giant internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy and safety of the RSD technique for the treatment of large and giant ICA aneurysms relative to other conventional microsurgical techniques. MethodsThe aneurysms were classified into two groups depending on whether the RSD method was used (21 in the RSD group vs. 43 in the non-RSD group). Baseline characteristics, details of the surgical procedure, angiographic outcomes, clinical outcomes, and procedure-related complications of each group were reviewed retrospectively. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the rates of complete neck-clipping between the RSD (57.1%) and non-RSD (67.4%) groups. Similarly, there was no difference in the rates of good clinical outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score, 0–2) between the RSD (85.7%) and non-RSD (81.4%) groups. Considering the initial functional status, 19 of 21 (90.5%) patients in the RSD group and 35 of 43 (81.4%) patients in the non-RSD group showed an improvement or no change in functional status, which did not reach statistical significance. ConclusionIn this study, the microsurgical treatment of large and giant intracranial ICA aneurysms using the RSD technique obtained competitive angiographic and clinical outcomes without increasing the risk of procedure-related complications. The RSD technique might be a useful technical option for the microsurgical treatment of large and giant intracranial ICA aneurysms.

A case report of retrograde suction decompression of a large paraclinoid aneurysm

Surgical clipping of large Paraclinoidal IC (Internal carotid) aneurysm pose a great challenge as there are adhesions hindering exposure of aneurysm dome and parent artery . Obtaining adequate visualization of the aneurysm neck is very difficult in these aneurysms, also in the access of proximal control. There are many methods to obtain a proximal control in these aneurysms. Retrograde suction decompression provides adequate visualization of the aneurysm neck and its relation with the optic apparatus. Retrograde suction decompression can be done by many methods. The technique done via open catheterization of superior thyroid artery is readily accessible and provides adequate relaxation of the aneurysm dome enabling complete dissection of the aneurysm from the surrounding important neurovascular structures. In this report of a case of left Paraclinoidal ICA aneurysm which was clipped applying this method, we elaborate on the technique and discuss other methods available for proximal control in these difficult aneurysms.

The 25th anniversary of the retrograde suction decompression technique (Dallas technique) for the surgical management of paraclinoid aneurysms: historical background, systematic review, and pooled analysis of the literature.

Paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms frequently require temporary occlusion to facilitate safe clipping. Brisk retrograde flow through the ophthalmic artery and cavernous ICA branches make simple trapping inadequate to soften the aneurysm. The retrograde suction decompression (RSD), or Dallas RSD, technique was described in 1990 in an attempt to overcome some of those treatment limitations. A frequent criticism of the RSD technique is an allegedly high risk of cervical ICA dissection. An endovascular modification was introduced in 1991 (endovascular RSD) but no studies have compared the 2 RSD variations. The authors performed a systematic review of MEDLINE/PubMed and Web of Science and identified all studies from 1990-2016 in which either Dallas RSD or endovascular RSD was used for treatment of paraclinoid aneurysms. A pooled analysis of the data was completed to identify important demographic and treatment-specific variables. The primary outcome measure was defined as successful aneurysm obliteration. Secondary outcome variables were divided into overall and RSD-specific morbidity and mortality rates. Twenty-six RSD studies met the inclusion criteria (525 patients, 78.9% female). The mean patient age was 53.5 years. Most aneurysms were unruptured (56.6%) and giant (49%). The most common presentations were subarachnoid hemorrhage (43.6%) and vision changes (25.3%). The aneurysm obliteration rate was 95%. The mean temporary occlusion time was 12.7 minutes. Transient or permanent morbidity was seen in 19.9% of the patients. The RSD-specific complication rate was low (1.3%). The overall mortality rate was 4.2%, with 2 deaths (0.4%) attributable to the RSD technique itself. Good or fair outcome were reported in 90.7% of the patients.Aneurysm obliteration rates were similar in the 2 subgroups (Dallas RSD 94.3%, endovascular RSD 96.3%, p = 0.33). Despite a higher frequency of complex (giant or ruptured) aneurysms, Dallas RSD was associated with lower RSD-related morbidity (0.6% vs 2.9%, p = 0.03), compared with the endovascular RSD subgroup. There was a trend toward higher mortality in the endovascular RSD subgroup (6.4% vs 3.1%, p = 0.08). The proportion of patients with poor neurological outcome at last follow-up was significantly higher in the endovascular RSD group (15.4% vs 7.2%, p < 0.01). The treatment of paraclinoid ICA aneurysms using the RSD technique is associated with high aneurysm obliteration rates, good long-term neurological outcome, and low RSD-related morbidity and mortality. Review of the RSD literature showed no evidence of a higher complication rate associated with the Dallas technique compared with similar endovascular methods. On a subgroup analysis of Dallas RSD and endovascular RSD, both groups achieved similar obliteration rates, but a lower RSD-related morbidity was seen in the Dallas technique subgroup. Twenty-five years after its initial publication, RSD remains a useful neurosurgical technique for the management of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms.

Microsurgical treatment strategy for large and giant aneurysms of the internal carotid artery

ObjectiveWe aimed to summarize our microsurgical treatment results for large (10–25 mm) and giant (≥25 mm) intradural internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms over a 7-year period at a single institution and to describe our detailed strategy. Patients and methodsWe reviewed the records of 68 patients with 69 aneurysms, including large and giant intradural ICA aneurysms, treated using microsurgical techniques from January 2008 to December 2014. We used adenosine-induced cardiac standstill or retrograde suction decompression for some aneurysm clipping cases and performed bypass surgery if needed. ResultsFifty-eight large and giant ICA aneurysms (84%) were treated with direct clipping, including 6 aneurysms (9%) clipped using adenosine-induced cardiac standstill and 10 aneurysms (14%) clipped using suction decompression. Eleven unclippable aneurysms (16%) were trapped with extracranial-intracranial bypass. Good or excellent results (modified Rankin Scale scores 0–2) were obtained in 47 patients with unruptured aneurysms (92%) and in 14 patients with ruptured aneurysms (82%) at the 6-month follow-up. Of 17 patients with visual disturbances before treatment, 11 (65%) had improved vision after surgical treatment. A remnant sac was found in 20 cases (29%) on digital subtraction angiography performed immediately postoperatively. At the median follow-up of 22 months, we encountered 3 recurrent aneurysm cases (5%) among the 58 aneurysms that were followed up. ConclusionOur study demonstrated that microsurgical treatment of large and giant intradural ICA aneurysms remains competitive to flow-diverting treatment, if the surgeon is prepared to perform multifarious surgical methods, including adenosine administration, retrograde suction decompression, and bypass vascular anastomosis.

Suction decompression assisted clipping of large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms

Background: The microsurgical treatment of large and giant aneurysms poses a challenge and direct clipping is still prefferred: this is very dificulttask withrisksofintraoperativerupture. Microsurgical clipping with angioplastic arrangement of clips at the neck along with retrograde suction evacuation of the blood from the proximal internal carotid artery and aneurysm have been advocated in order to avoid these problems. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 13 patients with 13 large/ giant internal carotid artery aneurysms, who were managed surgically with retrograde suction decompression assisted clipping at our center over a period of last 2 years. The clinical profile, details of surgical management, complications and outcome of these patients were analysed. In the preoperative assessment, MRI/MR Angiography brain, 3Dimensional- Computed Tomography scan along with diagnostic angiography and balloon occlusion test were performed. The surgical technique has been described in detail. Results: The age ranged from 36-79 years old. There were 7 males and 6 females. 11 patients had unruptured aneurysms, while 2 presented with subarachnoid hemmorrhage. There were no peri-operative complications. In the post-operative period, one patient had severe disabilty with right sided hemiparesis due to the thrombo-embolic phenomenon, while the rest had an excellent outcom, with no mortality. Conclusions: Retrograde suction decompression is an effective aid in surgical management of large and giant aneurysms with many advantages. It is certainly an extremely useful adjunct for obtaining early proximal control so that safe clip application can be achieved. Intra-operative angiography can be performed easily to check adequacy of aneurysm clipping. Integration of endovascular techniques in management of complex aneurysms has made posible the advancement of the therapeutic armentarium.

Modified extradural temporopolar approach with suction decompression for clipping of large paraclinoid aneurysm: Technical note

Background:Surgical clipping of complicated large paraclinoid aneurysms are still challenging because strong adhesion of aneurysm itself may hinder the dissection of the perforators and the surrounding anatomical structures from the aneurysm dome.Methods:We describe 13 consecutive patients and the clipping of complicated, large-sized paraclinoid aneurysms using a modified extradural temporopolar approach combined with retrograde suction decompression and discuss its advantages and pitfalls.Results:Modified extradural temporopolar approach with suction decompression (SD) assistance was performed in all patients. There was no complication related to the surgical procedure. Postoperative outcome was good recovery in 7 patients, moderate disability in 4, and severe disability in 2 caused by severe subarachnoid hemorrhage. Favorable outcomes were achieved in 10 patients (84.6%).Conclusion:We recommend its less invasive, safe, and useful combined technique in the treatment of symptomatic paraclinoid aneurysms, which carry the risk of neurovascular injury caused by dissection from the aneurysm dome.

Retrograde suction decompression of a large internal carotid aneurysm using a balloon guide catheter combined with a blood-returning circuit and STA-MCA bypass: a technical note.

It is difficult to treat large internal carotid aneurysms with simple surgical clipping. Here, we present a retrograde suction decompression (RSD) procedure for large internal carotid aneurysms using a balloon guide catheter combined with a blood-returning circuit and a superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass.All patients underwent an STA-MCA bypass before the temporary occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). A 6-French sheath was inserted into the common carotid artery (CCA), and a 6-French Patrive balloon catheter was placed into the ICA 5cm past the bifurcation. Aneurysm exposure was obtained; temporary clips were placed on the proximal M1, A1, and posterior communicating (Pcom) segments; and an extension tube was then connected to the balloon catheter. A three-way stopcock was placed, and aspiration was performed through the device to collapse the aneurysm. The aspirated blood was returned to a venous line with an added heparin to prevent anemia after aspiration. During the decompression, the blood flow to the cortical area was supplied through the STA-MCA bypass. After the aneurysm collapse, the surgeon carefully dissected the perforating artery from the aneurysm dome or neck, and permanent clips were then placed on the aneurysm neck. Our procedure has several advantages, such as STA-MCA bypass without external carotid artery occlusion for preventing ischemic complications of the cortical area, anemia may be avoided because of the return of the aspirated blood, and a hybrid operation room is not required to perform this method.

Microsurgical treatment of large and giant paraclinoid carotid aneurysms using a revised endovascular suction decompression technique with Invatec Mo.Ma device

Endovascular retrograde suction decompression (RSD) with balloon occlusion of the internal carotid artery is helpful to facilitate clipping large and giant paraclinoid carotid aneurysms. The authors reported a revised endovascular technique without internal carotid access using Mo.Ma device and analyzed its feasibility. In the series, 15 consecutive patients harboring 15 large and giant paraclinoid carotid aneurysms were clipped with assistance of this revised RSD technique. The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcome were evaluated. Technical success was achieved in 14 patients with aneurysm neck clipping and internal carotid artery (ICA) patent. No complication related to this endovascular technique occurred. At follow-up (mean time 15.3months), the modified Rankin Scale score was excellent in 11 patients, good in two patients and poor in one patient. Their preliminary experience indicates that revised retrograde suction decompression technique with Mo.Ma device seems effective and safe in the surgical treatment of large and giant paraclinoid ICA aneurysms.

Usefulness of Suction Decompression Method Combined with Extradural Temporopolar Approach During Clipping of Complicated Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm

Surgical clipping of complicated internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms can be very difficult because strong adhesion may hinder dissection of the perforators and surrounding anatomical structures from the aneurysm dome. We describe our experience in the clipping of these aneurysms using retrograde suction decompression (RSD) combined with extradural temporopolar approach (ETA) and discuss its advantages and pitfalls. This retrospective study included 30 consecutive patients with complicated ICA aneurysms treated by direct clipping with RSD assistance between March 2004 and March2015. The aneurysms were located on the paraclinoid ICA in 20 cases, the posterior communicating artery bifurcation in 8, ICA bifurcation in 1, and the anterior wall of the ICA in 1. No patient suffered any complication related to the puncture of the common carotid artery. Surgical outcome was good recovery in 20 patients, moderate disability in 4, severe disability in 4, and vegetative state in 1. One patient died of re-rupture of the aneurysm caused by incomplete dome clipping. Two patients suffered cerebral infarction, caused by anterior choroidal artery infarction in 1 patient. Retrograde suction decompression combined with ETA is a useful technique for clipping of complicated ICA aneurysms.

Retrograde Suction Decompression for Clip Occlusion of Internal Carotid Artery Communicating Segment Aneurysms

Retrograde suction decompression (RSD) can achieve proximal parent vessel control, improve aneurysm neck visualization, and allow parent vessel reconstruction for direct clipping of internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms. The aim of the present study was to describe the technique and surgical results of RSD for direct clipping of ICA communicating segment (C1) aneurysms. The clinical data and treatment summaries of 20 patients who underwent RSD-assisted clipping of ICA C1 aneurysms were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative three- or four-dimensional computed tomography angiograms, postoperative magnetic resonance images, surgical notes, operative complications, and outcomes were assessed. All patients except one harbored unruptured C1 aneurysms. Extracranial-intracranial graft bypass using the radial artery was performed in five patients. Fifteen patients required temporary clipping of the posterior communicating artery for further reduction of blood back-flow into the aneurysm. All aneurysms were successfully clipped and postoperative three- or four-dimensional computed tomography angiography revealed no major branch occlusion or residual aneurysm. At the 6-month follow-up examination, 19 patients had a good outcome and 1 patient had poor outcome associated with anterior choroidal artery ischemia. No death had occurred at 6-month follow-up examination. The RSD technique is a useful procedure to achieve proximal vascular control, to soften and shrinkage the aneurysm sac, and to provide a wide and clean operative field allowing safe clip placement. The RSD technique requires special attention to the relationship between the perforators and the aneurysm, and close cooperation between the surgeon and the assistant.

Retrograde Suction Decompression Through Direct Puncture of the Common Carotid Artery for Paraclinoid Aneurysm.

Surgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysm can be very difficult because strong adhesions may hinder the dissection of the perforators and surrounding anatomical structures from the aneurysm dome. We describe our experience with using retrograde suction decompression during the clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms and discuss the relative advantages and pitfalls. This study included 23 patients with large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms who underwent surgical treatment consisting of direct clipping with suction decompression between March 2004 and August 2014. Direct puncture of the common carotid artery (CCA) was performed with a 20-gauge needle. The aneurysm was temporarily trapped by clamping of the CCA and external carotid artery (ECA), followed by temporary clipping of the intracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) distal to the aneurysm neck. Blood was then gently aspirated through a catheter introduced into the cervical ICA, resulting in collapse of the aneurysm. Therefore, safe aneurysm dissection was feasible during interruption of the blood flow, which could be maintained for up to 5 min. This procedure was repeated until dissection and clipping of the aneurysm were completed. Seven patients were admitted with SAH, 11 with asymptomatic unruptured aneurysm, and 5 with symptomatic unruptured aneurysm. The aneurysms were located on the paraclinoidal segment of the ICA in 15 cases, on the ICA-posterior communicating artery (PComA) in 6, at the ICA bifurcation in 1, and on the anterior wall of the ICA in 1. None of them suffered complications related to the CCA puncture. Surgical outcome was good recovery in 13 patients, moderate disability in 4, severe disability in 4, and vegetative state in 1. Retrograde suction decompression through direct puncture of the common carotid artery is a useful adjunct technique for the clipping of paraclinoid ICA aneurysms.

傍鞍部を含む内頚動脈瘤に対する頚動脈直接穿刺によるsuction decompression法の有用性

Introduction: Surgical clipping of a paraclinoid aneurysm can be very difficult because strong adhesion may hinder the dissection of the perforators and surrounding anatomical structures from the aneurysm dome. We describe our experience of performing retrograde suction decompression during the clipping of paraclinoid internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, and discuss the advantages and pitfalls of the technique.Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled 22 consecutive patients, 20 females and 2 males aged 37-78 years (mean, 64 years), including 13 patients with large and 4 patients with giant intracranial aneurysms treated with clipping surgery through suction decompression assistance between March 2004 and August 2013. Direct puncture of the common carotid artery was performed using a 20-gauge needle. The aneurysm was trapped by clamping the common carotid and external carotid arteries followed by temporary clipping of the intracranial ICA distal to the aneurysm neck. Blood was then gently aspirated through a catheter introduced into the cervical ICA, resulting in the collapse of the aneurysm. The aneurysm dome was detached from the perforators and surrounding structures during blood flow interruption, which could be maintained for up to 5 min. This procedure was repeated until the dissection and clipping of the aneurysm were completed. Control angiography was usually performed to confirm complete clipping of the aneurysm and the restoration of blood flow in the intracranial ICA.Results: The admitted patients included 6 patients with a ruptured aneurysm resulting in subarachnoid hemorrhage, 11 with an asymptomatic unruptured aneurysm, and 5 with a symptomatic unruptured aneurysm. The aneurysms were located in the paraclinoid ICA in 14 patients, the posterior communicating artery bifurcation in 6, the ICA bifurcation in 1, and the anterior wall of the ICA in 1. No patient had any complication related to the puncture of the common carotid artery. The surgical outcomes were as follows: good recovery in 12 patients, moderate disability in 4, severe disability in 4, and vegetative state in 1. One patient died of re-rupture of the aneurysm resulting from incomplete dome clipping. Two patients developed cerebral infarction—in 1 patient, this was due to an anterior choroidal artery infarction.Conclusion: Retrograde suction decompression through direct puncture of the common carotid artery is a useful adjunct technique for the clipping of ICA aneurysms.

Visual outcomes for surgical treatment of large and giant carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysms: a case series utilizing retrograde suction decompression (the “Dallas technique”)

The authors report their results in a series of large or giant carotid ophthalmic segment aneurysms clipped using retrograde suction decompression. A retrospective review of clinical data and treatment summaries was performed for 18 patients with large or giant carotid artery ophthalmic segment aneurysms managed operatively via retrograde suction decompression. Visual outcomes, Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores, and operative complications were determined. Postoperative angiography was assessed. During a 17-year period, 18 patients underwent surgery performed using retrograde suction decompression. The mean aneurysm size was 26 mm. Three patients presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Fourteen of 18 patients presented with visual symptoms. Eleven (79%) of these 14 patients experienced visual improvement and the remaining 3 (21%) experienced worsened vision after surgery. Of 3 patients without visual symptoms and a complete visual examination before and after surgery, 1 had visual worsening postoperatively. One aneurysm required trapping and bypass, and all others could be clipped. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete occlusion in 9 of 17 clipped aneurysms and neck remnants in the other 8 clipped aneurysms. One (5.5%) of 18 patients experienced a stroke. Eighteen patients had a GOS score of 5 (good outcome), and 1 patient had a GOS score of 4 (moderately disabled). There were no deaths. There was no morbidity related to the second incision or decompression procedure. Prolonged improvement did occur, and even in some cases of visual worsening in 1 eye, the overall vision did improve enough to allow driving. Retrograde suction decompression greatly facilitates surgical clipping for large and giant aneurysms of the ophthalmic segment. Visual preservation and improvement occur in the majority of these cases and is an important outcome measure. Developing endovascular technology must show equivalence or superiority to surgery for this specific outcome.

The Treatment of Large and Giant Paraclinoid Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms

Paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms originate from the internal carotid artery between the distal dural ring and the posterior communicating artery. Surgical treatment of these aneurysms is technically challenging because of the surrounding neurovascular structures. There are several ways to treat these lesions: direct clipping with retrograde suction decompression, endovascular coiling, coiling with stent, and flow diverter stent. Here, I briefly review the surgical and endovascular options.

Clipping of large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms assisted by retrograde suction decompression

Objective To present our experience with retrograde suction decompression in clipping of large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms and analyze its advantages and pitfalls.Methods A retrospective analysis of 26 large and giant intracranial aneurysms treated by suction decompression assisted clipping between November 2005 and February 2010 was present.The surgical techniques and the outcome of patients were reviewed.Results All aneurysms were successfully clipped, and postoperative 3D - CTA or DSA revealed no major branch occlusion or residual aneurysm.There was no surgical mortality in both giant and large aneurysm groups.Conclusions Retrograde suction decompression is a successful adjunct to clipping of large and giant internal carotid artery aneurysms. Key words: Aneurysm; Internal carotid artery; Retrograde suction decompression

Retrograde Suction Decompression Assisted Clipping of Large and Giant Cerebral Aneurysms: Our Experience

The aim of this study was to present our experience with retrograde suction decompression in clipping of large and giant cerebral aneurysms and analyze its advantages and pitfalls. A retrospective analysis of 27 patients with large and giant intracranial aneurysms treated by suction decompression assisted clipping between November 2005 and February 2010 was done. The surgical technique and the outcome of patients were reviewed. All aneurysms were successfully clipped, and postoperative 3-D CTA or DSA revealed no major branch occlusion or residual aneurysm. There was no surgical mortality in both giant and large aneurysm groups. Retrograde suction decompression is a successful adjunct to clipping of large and giant cerebral aneurysms.

Microsurgical management of large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms

Background Because of the complex topographic anatomical relationship between vascular, dural and bone structures, paraclinoid aneurysms, especially those of larger size, remain a great challenge for vascular neurosurgeons. We present our microneurosurgical experience of 51 consecutive patients with large and giant paraclinoid aneurysms to scrutinize our personal strategies related to surgical treatment. Methods Fifty-one patients with large or giant paraclinoid underwent micorneurosurgical aneurysm treatment. Operative strategies were planned according to preoperative state-of-the-art imaging studies, and a pterional-transsylvian approach was routinely used. Proximal control of the internal carotid artery (ICA) was achieved by exposure of the cervical portion of the vessel. Intraoperative electroencephalogram and somatosensory evoked potential monitoring, indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography and/or microvascular Doppler ultrasonography (MDU) were regularly used. A postoperative digital subtraction angiography or computed tomography angiography was performed to verify the efficacy of treatment. Results Forty-three large and giant paraclinoid aneurysm necks (84%) were directly clipped, seven unclippable aneurysms (14%) were trapped with extra-intracranial high-flow revascularization, and one aneurysm (2%) was treated with only ICA proximal Hunterian ligation. Two patients (4%) died in the early postoperative period. In 84% of the patients, the Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4 or 5 at discharge. At the 6-month follow-up examination, the Rankin Outcome Scale score was 0-2 in 90% of patients. Conclusions Temporary parent vessel occlusion, retrograde suction decompression, endoaneurysmectomy, parent vessel clip reconstruction, and bypass vascular anastomosis are essential techniques to treat complex paraclinoid aneurysms. The combined use of electrophysiological monitoring, MDU, intraoperative ICG videoangiography, and endoscopy can substantially improve microsurgical outcome.

ENDOVASCULAR RETROGRADE SUCTION DECOMPRESSION AS AN ADJUNCT TO SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OPHTHALMIC ANEURYSMS

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. 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. 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. 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.