Internal Carotid Artery Constriction with or without Superficial Temporal Artery-Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass for Patients with Giant Internal Carotid Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of giant internal carotid aneurysms (GICAs) is disputed owing to their low incidence. The aim of this study was to describe the use of internal carotid artery (ICA) constriction as therapeutic management of GICAs.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from medical histories and follow-up of 14 patients with GICAs. Before surgery, the patients underwent balloon test occlusion and magnetic resonance perfusion evaluation. ICA constriction was considered only for patients with negative balloon test occlusion. A transverse incision of about 50% of the initial part of the ICA was done, and the free margins on both sides were sutured, causing 70%-90% stenosis. ICA constriction alone was selected (11 cases) if both anterior communicating artery and posterior communicating artery compensatory blood flow existed and magnetic resonance perfusion was ≤II1 on the affected side. If there was only 1 compensatory vessel from the anterior communicating artery and posterior communicating artery, and/or magnetic resonance perfusion was >II1, ICA constriction was combined with low-flow bypass (3 cases).

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time of the 14 patients was 43.5 months (interquartile range: 38.8-51.3 months). Of these 14 patients, 5 achieved O'Kelly-Marotta grades C and D. Clinical improvement occurred in 12 of 14 patients. No patients experienced new-onset stroke.

CONCLUSIONS

ICA constriction exhibits a perforator protective effect. This procedure could be a promising alternative to ICA ligation in patients with GICAs and negative balloon test occlusion.