The Optimal Surgical Direction Concerning the Pterional Approach to the Anterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms

ABSTRACT

The anterior communicating artery is one of common sites of intracranial aneurysms, and the anterior communicating artery aneurysms are operated by pterional approach most commonly. Anatomical variation around anterior communicating artery is one of the limiting factors in surgery. Pterional approach can be made from either left or right side according to many factors, such as, dominant feeding artery, shape, size and direction of aneurysm, vascular anomaly and variation around anterior communicating artery, existence of hematoma, and multiple aneurysms. Authors analyzed 62 cases of anterior communicating artery aneurysm and discussed optimal surgical direction in pterional approach and evaluated the usefulness of position of bilateral A1-A2 junction in lateral compression angiogram. The results were as follows 1) In the existence of another aneurysm in the carotid or middle cerebral artery, optimal surgical direction is to the side of another aneurysm. 2) Significant amount of hematoma should be considered in selecting the surgical direction. 3) If the aneurysm is large, thrombosed, and fundus is broad, the approach should be made to the side which facilitate the exposure of the neck of aneurysm first. 4) Right side approach has advantages that nondominant hemisphere is retracted and surgical manipulation is convenient with small craniotomy. 5) Exposure of the neck of the aneurysm and temporary clip is easier when approach is made along the main feeding artery. 6) Approach to the side of posteriorly placed A1-A2 junction can be another useful option in selecting optimal surgical direction.