[Application of transnasal endoscopic approach for clipping the paraclival internal carotid artery in skull base surgery].

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of transnasal endoscopic clipping of the paraclival internal carotid artery (ICA) in skull base surgery.

Methods

The paraclival ICA was anatomically dissected in cadaveric head specimens. The clinical data of 15 patients with skull base lesions involving the ICA who admitted to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at Tianjin Huanhu Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 4 patients underwent transnasal endoscopic clipping of the paraclival ICA and concurrent lesion resection. The surgical methods were summarized, and the key points and indications of this technique were analyzed.

Results

Intraoperative clipping of the ICA was successful and hemostatic in all 4 patients. Postoperatively, 3 patients had no complications, while 1 patient developed delayed ischemic cerebral infarction. Two patients were cured, 1 patient was maintained on immunotherapy, and 1 patient died. During follow-up, the clip was in situ in 1 patient, had detached in another, and was obscured by temporal muscle coverage in the remaining 2 patients.

Conclusions

Transnasal endoscopic clipping of the paraclival ICA represents a potential option for managing the ICA in skull base surgery. However, it carries significant risks and limitations, mandating careful patient selection based on specific circumstances.