Clipping of Upward Projection Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms Adhering Tightly to the A2 Segment

Hong, Ji Myoung; Kang, Sung Don; Kim, Jong Moon

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The ideal treatment of intracranial aneurysms is an occlusion of the neck with a clip, which preserves the parent vessels. Upward projecting anterior communicating artery(Acom) aneurysms appear to be directed both above and below the plane formed by the two A2 segments, which usually conceal the contralateral A2 takeoff. It is difficult to perform complete clipping when these lesions are tightly adherent to the A2 segment. Neurosurgeons need to focus on the safe treatment of these lesions. A variety of clipping techniques can be used depending on the aneurysm anatomy, size, and morphology. The authors recommend a safe method of clipping these lesions safely.
METHODS
The authors operated on 109 patients with upward projecting Acom aneurysms over the last 16 years. Among them, 34 aneurysms were clipped using fenestrated clips through the side of the dominant A1 segment, which were closely adhered to the A2 segment. RESULT: In each case, the aneurysm and both A2 segments formed a straight line in the narrow surgical field and were not easily separated, and consequently it was difficult to handle the aneurysm behind the ipsilateral A2. After partial identification of the Acom complex, careful dissection of the posterior aspect of the ipsilateral A2 and the aneurysm dome was continued to allow mobilization of both A2 segments and the aneurysm. All aneurysms were secured successfully without any surgery related complications.
CONCLUSION
The authors recommend that fenestrated clip incorporating the ipsilateral A2 segment after complete mobilization of both A2 segments and the aneurysm may be useful for definitive clipping of upward projecting Acom aneurysm which is densely adherent to the A2 segment.