Thrombectomy and Clip Occlusion of a Giant, Stent-Coiled Basilar Bifurcation Aneurysm: 3-Dimensional Operative Video

Giant basilar apex aneurysms are associated with significant therapeutic challenges.(1-6) Multiple techniques exist to treat giant basilar apex aneurysms, including direct clipping, stent-assisted coil embolization, and proximal occlusion with bypass revascularization.(7-9) Hypothermic circulatory arrest was a useful adjunct for surgical repair of these aneurysms but has been abandoned because of associated risks.(10,11) Rapid ventricular pacing can achieve similar aneurysm softening with minimal risks and assist in clip occlusion. This case illustrates clip occlusion of a giant, partially thrombosed, previously stent-coiled basilar apex aneurysm in a 15-yr-old boy with progressive cranial neuropathies and sensorimotor impairment. Although a wire was placed preoperatively for ventricular pacing, it was not needed during the procedure. Patient consent was obtained. A right-sided orbitozygomatic craniotomy transcavernous approach with anterior and posterior clinoidectomies was performed. The basilar quadrification was dissected, and proximal control was obtained. After aneurysm trapping, the aneurysm was incised and thrombectomized using an ultrasonic aspirator. Back-bleeding from the aneurysm was anticipated, and ventricular pacing was ready, but back-bleeding was minimal. With the coil mass left in place, stacked, fenestrated clips were applied in a tandem fashion to occlude the aneurysm neck. Indocyanine green videoangiography confirmed occlusion of the aneurysm and patency of parent and branch arteries. The patient was at a neurological baseline after the operation, with improvement in motor skills and cognition at 3-mo follow-up. This case demonstrates the use of trans-sylvian-transcavernous exposure, rapid ventricular pacing, and thrombectomy amid previous coils and stents to clip a giant, thrombotic basilar apex aneurysm. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.