Petrosal Approach for Aneurysms on the Vertebrobasilar Artery Junction and Mid-Basilar Artery: Technical Note

Abstract

The aneurysms located on vertebra-basilar artery junction and mid-basilar artery are not common. These aneurysms may be surgically clipped through a variety of approaches. The suboccipital approach has potential morbidities due to retraction of cerebellum and brain stem. The supratentorial approach may have retraction damage to the temporal lobe and the vein of Labbe. Resection of petrous bone in combined approach of supratentorial and infratentorial route has some advantages. There is minimal retraction of cerebellum, brain stem and temporal lobe, preservation of the vein of Labbe and shortening of the operative distance. Thus the petrosal approach may be helpful for the surgery of aneurysms arising around vertebro-basilar artery junction and mid-basilar artery. We have clipped an aneurysm on the vertebro-basilar artery junction and mid-basilar artery with petrosal approach and discuss its usefulness for the approach to aneurysms on vertebro-basilar artery junction and mid-basilar artery.