Extended Retrosigmoid Craniotomy and Approach Through the Glossopharyngeal Cochlear Triangle for Clipping of a High-Riding Vertebral-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: 2-Dimensional Operative Video

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey W Peitz ◽  
Ryan A McDermott ◽  
Jacob F Baranoski ◽  
Michael T Lawton ◽  
Justin R Mascitelli
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Cranial Neuropathy ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Direct Exposure ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Facial Spasm ◽  
History Of

Abstract The far lateral transcondylar (FL) craniotomy is the standard approach for posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm exposure through microsurgical dissection in the vagoaccessory triangle (VAT).1,2 However, the extended retrosigmoid (eRS) craniotomy and dissection through the glossopharyngeal-cochlear triangle (GCT) may be more appropriate when the patient has an aneurysm arising from a high-riding vertebral artery (VA)—PICA origin.3-5 We present a case of a 41-yr-old woman with hypertension presenting with left occipital pain and left-side hearing loss and past facial spasm and pain. Computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated an unruptured 8.4 × 9.0 × 10.2 mm saccular aneurysm at the left VA-PICA junction. Surgical clipping was chosen over endovascular therapy given the relationship of the PICA origin to the aneurysm neck as well as the history of cranial neuropathy. It was noted that the VA-PICA junction and aneurysm was high-riding at the level of the internal auditory canal. An eRS craniotomy was performed with dissection through the GCT, and the aneurysm was clipped as shown in the accompanying 2-dimensional operative video. Postoperative angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the aneurysm and patency of the left VA and PICA without stenosis, and the patient had a favorable postoperative course although her left-sided hearing remained diminished. The eRS craniotomy allowed direct exposure via the GCT for clipping of the high-riding VA-PICA junction aneurysm and decompression of the cranial nerves. The traditional FL craniotomy and exposure through the VAT would likely have resulted in a less desirable inferior trajectory. The patient gave informed consent for the operation depicted in the video. Animation at 2:43 in video is used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

An a3-Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery to p3-Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Bypass With Thrombectomy and Trapping of an Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. E311-E312
Author(s):  
Justin R Mascitelli ◽  
Sirin Gandhi ◽  
Jacob F Baranoski ◽  
Michael J Lang ◽  
Michael T Lawton
Keyword(s):  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Anterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Occipital Artery ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Retrograde Filling ◽  
In Situ Bypass

Abstract In situ bypasses to the anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) are unusual because, with only one artery in the cerebellopontine angle (CPA), no natural intracranial donors parallel its course. In rare cases, the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) may have the tortuosity or redundancy to be mobilized to the AICA to serve as a donor. This video demonstrates this p3 PICA-to-a3 AICA in situ side-to-side bypass. A 75-yr-old woman presented with ataxia and hemiparesis from a large thrombotic right AICA aneurysm compressing the brainstem. Strategy consisted of bypass, trapping, and brainstem decompression. Written informed consent for surgery was obtained from the patient. A hockey-stick incision was made to harvest the occipital artery as a backup donor, but its diminutive caliber precluded its use. The bypass was performed through an extended retrosigmoid craniotomy. The aneurysm was trapped completely and thrombectomized to relieve the pontine mass effect. Indocyanine green videoangiography confirmed patency of the bypass, retrograde filling of the AICA to supply pontine perforators, and no residual aneurysmal filling. This unusual in situ bypass is possible when redundancy of the AICA and PICA allow their approximation in the CPA. The anastomosis is performed lateral to the lower cranial nerves in a relatively open and superficial plane. The extended retrosigmoid approach provides adequate exposure for both the bypass and aneurysm trapping. In situ AICA-PICA bypass enables anterograde and retrograde AICA revascularization with side-to-side anastomosis. The occipital artery-to-AICA bypass and the V3 vertebral artery-to-AICA interpositional bypass are alternatives when intracranial anatomy is unfavorable for this in situ bypass.1–6 Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.

scholarly journals Episodic hemilaryngopharyngeal spasm (HELPS) syndrome: case report of a surgically treatable novel neuropathy

2017 ◽  
Vol 126 (5) ◽  
pp. 1653-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher R. Honey ◽  
Peter Gooderham ◽  
Murray Morrison ◽  
Zurab Ivanishvili
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Botulinum Toxin ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Neuropathy ◽  
Neurovascular Conflict ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
History Of ◽  
Botulinum Toxin Injections

The authors describe a novel cranial neuropathy manifesting with life-threatening episodic hemilaryngopharyngeal spasm (HELPS). A 50-year-old woman presented with a 4-year history of intermittent throat contractions, escalating to life-threatening respiratory distress. Botulinum toxin injections into her right vocal cord reduced the severity of her spasms, but the episodes continued to occur. MRI demonstrated a possible neurovascular conflict involving the cranial nerve IX–X complex and the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. Microvascular decompression of the upper rootlets of the vagal nerve eliminated her HELPS without complication. The authors propose a mechanism of HELPS implicating isolated involvement of the upper motor rootlets of the vagus nerve.

Contralateral vertebral approach for stenting and coil embolization of a large, thrombosed vertebral–posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm

2007 ◽  
Vol 107 (6) ◽  
pp. 1214-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert D. Ecker ◽  
Ricardo A. Hanel ◽  
Elad I. Levy ◽  
L. Nelson Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Vertebral Artery ◽  
Coil Embolization ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Ipsilateral Side ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

✓The authors report the successful staged stenting and coil embolization of a large vertebral artery–posterior inferior cerebellar artery (VA-PICA) aneurysm using the contralateral VA for access. A 67-year-old woman presented with a large ruptured VA-PICA aneurysm. Initial attempts to stent the wide-necked aneurysm from the ipsilateral side failed, so coil embolization of the dome was performed. During a second endovascular session, the aneurysm neck was successfully stented from the contralateral VA into the PICA. Six weeks later, coils were inserted into the aneurysm from the ipsilateral side. The coil result was stable at the 3-month follow-up examination.

scholarly journals Left Far Lateral Craniotomy for Clipping of a Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm

2019 ◽  
Vol 80 (S 04) ◽  
pp. S341-S342
Author(s):  
Xiaochun Zhao ◽  
Robert T. Wicks ◽  
Celene B. Mulholland ◽  
Andrew F. Ducruet ◽  
Peter Nakaji
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Craniovertebral Junction ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerve ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Adjacent Structures ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Far Lateral Approach ◽  
Clip Application ◽  
Far Lateral

Abstract Objectives The complex anatomical relationships of neurovascular structures at the craniovertebral junction make the clipping of a posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm surgically challenging. We demonstrate the clipping of a PICA aneurysm in the video. Design, Setting, and Participant A 65-year-old woman presented with a nonsymptomatic unruptured left PICA aneurysm; follow-up angiography showed an increase in its size. Preoperative angiography demonstrated a PICA aneurysm with the neck close to the origin of the PICA. A daughter sac of the aneurysm was also noted. A left far lateral approach was performed. The vagoaccessory triangle was exposed after opening the arachnoid membrane. The origin of the PICA and the aneurysm were revealed after exploration. The aneurysm neck was identified both proximally and distally. Two fenestrated clips were applied; subsequent indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography demonstrated that the PICA was obstructed. One clip was adjusted, and repeated ICG videoangiography showed the PICA was patent. An endoscope was used before and after the clip application to better understand the anatomy of the aneurysm and inspect clip positions (Fig. 1). Outcome The patient was neurologically intact postoperatively and was discharged on postoperative day 4. Conclusion PICA aneurysms require careful treatment. Impingement of adjacent structures can cause severe complications. Lower cranial nerve damage can cause dysphagia, and compromised vertebral/PICA circulation can cause brainstem symptoms, such as Wallenberg's syndrome. Intraoperative ICG videoangiography should be used to evaluate vessel patency, and the endoscope should be used to fully inspect the aneurysm and evaluate the clip application.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/dKxFQTRA89g.

Surgical clipping of a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm

2015 ◽  
Vol 38 (videosuppl1) ◽  
pp. Video12
Author(s):  
M. Yashar S. Kalani ◽  
Peter Nakaji ◽  
Joseph M. Zabramski ◽  
Robert F. Spetzler
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Posterior Circulation ◽  
Endovascular Techniques ◽  
Surgical Clipping ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Posterior Circulation Aneurysms ◽  
Pica Aneurysms ◽  
Lower Cranial Nerves

Posterior circulation aneurysms are commonly treated with endovascular techniques. In select cases, microsurgery remains an essential tool for treating these lesions. We present a case of a ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysm approached via a craniotomy. Given the labyrinth of neurovascular bundles present in the posterior fossa, surgical exposure of PICA aneurysms can be challenging. This video demonstrates the steps of the craniotomy, subarachnoid dissection, mobilization of the vertebral artery and lower cranial nerves, and clipping of the aneurysm.The video can be found here: http://youtu.be/fQSxQj7oL0U.

The Glossopharyngo-Cochlear Triangle—Part II: Case Series Highlighting the Clinical Application to High-Riding Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysms Exposed Through the Extended Retrosigmoid Approach

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacob F Baranoski ◽  
Stefan W Koester ◽  
Colin J Przybylowski ◽  
Xiaochun Zhao ◽  
Joshua S Catapano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Internal Auditory Canal ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Jugular Foramen ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Aneurysm Neck ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Vertebrobasilar Junction ◽  
Surgical Corridor ◽  
Pica Aneurysms

Abstract BACKGROUND Use of the far lateral transcondylar (FL) approach and vagoaccessory triangle is the standard exposure for clipping most posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms. However, a distal PICA origin or high-lying vertebrobasilar junction can position the aneurysm beyond the vagoaccessory triangle, making the conventional FL approach inappropriate. OBJECTIVE To demonstrate the utility of the extended retrosigmoid (eRS) approach and a lateral trajectory through the glossopharyngo-cochlear triangle as the surgical corridor for these cases. METHODS High-riding PICA aneurysms treated by microsurgery were retrospectively reviewed, comparing exposure through the eRS and FL approaches. Clinical, surgical, and outcome measures were evaluated. Distances from the aneurysm neck to the internal auditory canal (IAC), jugular foramen, and foramen magnum were measured. RESULTS Six patients with PICA aneurysms underwent clipping using the eRS approach; 5 had high-riding PICA aneurysms based on measurements from preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA). Mean distances of the aneurysm neck above the foramen magnum, below the IAC, and above the jugular foramen were 27.0 mm, 3.7 mm, and 8.2 mm, respectively. Distances were all significantly lower versus the comparison group of 9 patients with normal or low-riding PICA aneurysms treated using an FL approach (P < .01). All 6 aneurysms treated using eRS were completely occluded without operative complications. CONCLUSION The eRS approach is an important alternative to the FL approach for high-riding PICA aneurysms, identified as having necks more than 23 mm above the foramen magnum on CTA. The glossopharyngo-cochlear triangle is another important anatomic triangle that facilitates microsurgical dissection.

scholarly journals Persistent hypoglossal artery aneurysm: Case report and qualitative systematic review

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 164-171
Author(s):  
George H Tse ◽  
Andrew Martin ◽  
Richard A Dyde ◽  
Stuart C Coley
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Endovascular Coiling ◽  
Persistent Hypoglossal Artery ◽  
Randomised Study ◽  
Hypoglossal Artery ◽  
Qualitative Systematic Review ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Patient Reported

A persistent hypoglossal artery was first described in 1889 and is one of the more common anatomical variations arising from aberration in normal development. Endovascular coiling has been recognised as a robust treatment for acutely ruptured intracranial arterial aneurysms, although specific data regarding an aneurysm arising from a persistent hypoglossal artery is lacking due to the low incidence. Here we report both the oldest patient reported to be treated with a persistent hypoglossal artery-associated aneurysm and also explicitly report endovascular treatment of a persistent hypoglossal artery aneurysm arising at the posterior inferior cerebellar artery origin. Qualitative systematic review of the available medical literature demonstrates limited evidence regarding treatment of persistent hypoglossal artery-associated aneurysms with the majority being carried out via open surgery. Ruptured posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm arising from a persistent hypoglossal artery can be successfully and safely treated by endovascular therapy via the persistent hypoglossal artery. Randomised study of this situation is unlikely to be feasible; however, qualitative review of the literature reveals six such aneurysms that have been treated surgically, and this case appears to be the first via an endovascular means.

scholarly journals Extreme Lateral Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach to the Lateral Midbrain

2018 ◽  
Vol 79 (S 05) ◽  
pp. S415-S417
Author(s):  
M. Kalani ◽  
William Couldwell
Keyword(s):  
Cranial Nerves ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Superior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Entry Zone ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Sensory Disturbances ◽  
History Of ◽  
Supracerebellar Infratentorial Approach ◽  
The Right ◽  
Piecemeal Resection

This video illustrates the case of a 52-year-old man with a history of multiple bleeds from a lateral midbrain cerebral cavernous malformation, who presented with sudden-onset headache, gait instability, and left-sided motor and sensory disturbances. This lesion was eccentric to the right side and was located in the dorsolateral brainstem. Therefore, the lesion was approached via a right-sided extreme lateral supracerebellar infratentorial (exSCIT) craniotomy with monitoring of the cranial nerves. This video demonstrates the utility of the exSCIT for resection of dorsolateral brainstem lesions and how this approach gives the surgeon ready access to the supracerebellar space, and cerebellopontine angle cistern. The lateral mesencephalic safe entry zone can be accessed from this approach; it is identified by the intersection of branches of the superior cerebellar artery and the fourth cranial nerve with the vein of the lateral mesencephalic sulcus. The technique of piecemeal resection of the lesion from the brainstem is presented. Careful patient selection and respect for normal anatomy are of paramount importance in obtaining excellent outcomes in operations within or adjacent to the brainstem.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/aIw-O2Ryleg.

Challenges in the Management of a Ruptured Bihemispheric Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm

2019 ◽  
Vol 122 ◽  
pp. 317-321 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin Lik Tan ◽  
Gopinathan Anil ◽  
Tseng Tsai Yeo ◽  
Ning Chou
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Cerebellar Artery

Rupture of previously documented small asymptomatic saccular intracranial aneurysms

1992 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 1019-1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wouter I. Schievink ◽  
David G. Piepgras ◽  
Fremont P. Wirth
Keyword(s):  
Middle Cerebral Artery ◽  
Cerebral Artery ◽  
Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm ◽  
Cerebellar Artery ◽  
Cerebral Artery Aneurysm

✓ In a recent study from the Mayo Clinic on the natural history of intact saccular intracranial aneurysms, none of the aneurysms smaller than 10 mm in diameter ruptured. It was concluded that these aneurysms carry a negligible risk for future hemorrhage and that surgery for their repair could not be recommended. These findings and recommendations have been the subject of much controversy. The authors report three patients with previously documented asymptomatic intact saccular intracranial aneurysms smaller than 5 mm in diameter that subsequently ruptured. In Case 1, a 70-year-old man bled from a 4-mm middle cerebral artery aneurysm that had been discovered incidentally 2½ years previously during evaluation of cerebral ischemic symptoms. A 10-mm internal carotid artery aneurysm and a contralateral 4-mm middle cerebral artery aneurysm had not ruptured. Case 2 was that of a 66-year-old woman who bled from a 4-mm pericallosal aneurysm that had been present 9½ years previously when she suffered subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from a 7 × 9-mm posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm. Although the pericallosal aneurysm had not enlarged in the intervening years, a daughter aneurysm had developed. The third patient was a 45-year-old woman who bled from a 4- to 5-mm posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysm that had measured approximately 2 mm on an angiogram obtained 4 years previously; at that time she had suffered SAH due to rupture of a 5 × 12-mm posterior communicating artery aneurysm. These cases show that small asymptomatic intact saccular intracranial aneurysms are not innocuous and that careful consideration must be given to their surgical repair and long-term follow-up study.

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