Urgent cerebral revascularization bypass surgery for iatrogenic skull base internal carotid artery injury

Carotid Artery-Cavernous Segment Injury during an Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: A Case Report and Literature Review of the Overlooked Option for Surgical Trapping in the Hyperacute Phase

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is a catastrophic complication of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). However, its standard management, emergent endovascular treatment, may not always be available, and the transnasal approach may be insufficient to achieve hemostasis. A 44-year-old woman with pituitary adenoma underwent EES complicated with the ICA cavernous segment injury (CSI). In urgent intraoperative angiogram, a good collateral flow from the contralateral carotid circulation was observed. Due to the unavailability of intraoperative embolization, emergent surgical trapping was performed by combined transcranial and cervical approach. The patient recovered but later developed a giant cavernous pseudoaneurysm. During the pseudoaneurysm embolization, ICA was directly accessed via a 1.7-F puncture hole using a bare microcatheter technique. Then, both the aneurysm and parent artery were obliterated with coils. At the 4-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic without a residual tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first case of ICA-CSI during EES successfully treated with ICA trapping as a lifesaving urgent surgery that achieved a complete recovery after a pseudoaneurysm embolization. Although several studies reported that EES-related ICA-CSIs with percutaneous carotid artery access, neither our surgical salvage technique nor our carotid access and tract embolization techniques were previously described.

The surgical management of intraoperative intracranial internal carotid artery injury in open skull base surgery-a systematic review

Intraoperative internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during open skull base surgery is a catastrophic complication. Multiple techniques and management strategies have been reported for endoscopic skull base surgery; however, the literature on managing this complication in open skull base surgery is limited. To perform a systematic review and give an overview of the different techniques described to manage this complication intraoperatively, a systematic review was conducted in PubMed, Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Scopus for literature published until July 2021. Titles and abstracts were screened. Studies meeting prespecified inclusion criteria were reviewed in full. PRISMA guidelines were strictly adhered to. Out of 4492 articles, only 12 articles could be included, reflecting an underreporting of open skull base ICA injuries. Multiple techniques can be used depending on the location and size of the injury as well as the surgeon's experience. Described techniques include the following: a primary repair via a micro-suture or nonpenetrating clips; wrapping or plugging; coating; occlusion of the parent artery with or without a bypass; packing with further endovascular management. A treatment algorithm is proposed.

Internal Carotid Artery Injury in Transsphenoidal Surgery: Tenets for Its Avoidance and Refit-A Clinical Study

One of the most serious/potentially fatal complications of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) is internal carotid artery (ICA) injury. Of 6230 patients who underwent TSS, ICA injury occurred in 8 (0.12%). The etiology, possible treatment options, and avoidance of ICA injury were analyzed. ICA injury occurred at two different stages: (1) during the exposure of the sella floor and dural incision over the sella and cavernous sinus and (2) during the resection of the cavernous sinus extension of the tumor. The angiographic collateral blood supply was categorized as good, sufficient, and nonsufficient to help with the decision making for repairing the injury. ICA occlusion with a balloon was performed at the injury site in two cases, microcoils in two patients, microcoils plus a single barrel extra-intracranial high-flow bypass in one case, stent grafting in one case, and no intervention in two cases. The risk of ICA injury diminishes with better preoperative preparation, intraoperative navigation, and ultrasound dopplerography. Reconstructive surgery for closing the defect and restoring the blood flow to the artery should be assessed depending on the site of the injury and the anatomical features of the ICA.

Classification of internal carotid artery injuries during endoscopic endonasal approaches to the skull base

Background:

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injuries are a major complication of endoscopic endonasal approaches (EEAs), which can be difficult to manage. Adding to the management difficulty is the lack of literature describing the surgical anatomical classification of these types of injuries. This article proposing a novel classification of ICA injuries during EEAs.

Methods:

The classification of ICA injuries during EEAs was generated from the review of the literature and analysis of the main author observation of ICA injuries in general. All published cases of ICA injuries during EEAs in the literature between January 1990 and January 2020 were carefully reviewed. We reviewed all patients’ demographic features, preoperative diagnoses, modes of injury, cerebral angiography results, surgical and medical management techniques, and reported functional outcomes.

Results:

There were 31 papers that reported ICA injuries during EEAs in the past three decades, most studies did not document the type of injury, and few described major laceration type of it. From that review of the literature, we classified ICA injuries into three main categories (Types I-III) and six sub-types. Type I is ICA branch injury, Type II is a penetrating injury to the ICA, and Type III is a laceration of the ICA wall. The functional neurological outcome was found to be worse with Type III and better with Type I.

Conclusion:

This is a novel classification system for ICA injuries during EEAs; it defines the patterns of injury. It could potentially lead to advancements in the management of ICA injuries in EEAs and facilitate communication to develop guidelines.

Intracranial Pseudoaneurysms: Evaluation and Management

Intracranial pseudoaneurysms account for about 1% of intracranial aneurysms with a high mortality. The natural history of intracranial pseudoaneurysm is not well-understood, and its management remains controversial. This review provides an overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, imaging, and management of intracranial pseudoaneurysms. Especially, this article emphasizes the factors that should be considered for the most appropriate management strategy based on the risks and benefits of each treatment option.

ICAR: endoscopic skull-base surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic skull-base surgery (ESBS) is employed in the management of diverse skull-base pathologies. Paralleling the increased utilization of ESBS, the literature in this field has expanded rapidly. However, the rarity of these diseases, the inherent challenges of surgical studies, and the continued learning curve in ESBS have resulted in significant variability in the quality of the literature. To consolidate and critically appraise the available literature, experts in skull-base surgery have produced the International Consensus Statement on Endoscopic Skull-Base Surgery (ICAR:ESBS).

METHODS

Using previously described methodology, topics spanning the breadth of ESBS were identified and assigned a literature review, evidence-based review or evidence-based review with recommendations format. Subsequently, each topic was written and then reviewed by skull-base surgeons in both neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Following this iterative review process, the ICAR:ESBS document was synthesized and reviewed by all authors for consensus.

RESULTS

The ICAR:ESBS document addresses the role of ESBS in primary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, intradural tumors, benign skull-base and orbital pathology, sinonasal malignancies, and clival lesions. Additionally, specific challenges in ESBS including endoscopic reconstruction and complication management were evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A critical review of the literature in ESBS demonstrates at least the equivalency of ESBS with alternative approaches in pathologies such as CSF rhinorrhea and pituitary adenoma as well as improved reconstructive techniques in reducing CSF leaks. Evidence-based recommendations are limited in other pathologies and these significant knowledge gaps call upon the skull-base community to embrace these opportunities and collaboratively address these shortcomings.

Side-to-Side Bypass between Bilateral Distal Anterior Cerebral Arteries and Surgical Trapping of a Pseudoaneurysm from the Anterior Communicating Artery: Lessons Learnt

Background:

Treatment options for a ruptured anterior communicating artery (ACoA) pseudoaneurysm are limited. In most cases trapping of the ACoA is the best treatment option. Occasionally, bypass surgery is warranted to ensure blood flow to the contralateral anterior cerebral artery (ACA) in cases with one dominant A1. We report a case of an ACoA pseudoaneurysm presenting with delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage following surgical clipping of an unruptured ACoA aneurysm, with a review of the literature.

Case description:

A 74-year-old female had undergone surgical clipping of a 1.2-cm-sized unruptured ACoA aneurysm through the left supraorbital keyhole approach. During the operation, there had been a small tear between the aneurysm neck and the right proximal A2, and the tear point was controlled by clipping of the tear site. One month later, she was admitted again because of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cerebral angiography showed a probable pseudoaneurysm from the previous tear site. The patient had a dominant left A1 with a right A1 aplasia. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with side-to-side bypass between the distal ACAs and subsequent trapping of the ACoA harboring a pseudoaneurysm. Both the distal ACAs were preserved; however, post-hemorrhagic neurological sequelae remained.

Conclusions:

Side-to-side bypass between distal ACAs and surgical trapping of the ACoA for the ruptured ACoA pseudoaneurysm was a good rescue option to prevent rebleeding and preserve blood supply to the contralateral ACA territory.

Endoscopic Management of Cavernous Carotid Surgical Complications: Evaluation of a Simulated Perfusion Model

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic surgical treatment of pituitary tumors, lateral invading tumors, or aneurysms requires surgeons to operate adjacent to the cavernous sinus. During these endoscopic endonasal procedures, the carotid artery is vulnerable to surgical injury at its genu. The objective of this simulation model was to evaluate trainees regarding management of a potentially life-threatening vascular injury.

METHODS

Cadaveric heads were prepared in accordance with the Oregon Health & Science University body donation program. An endoscopic endonasal approach was used, and a perfusion pump with a catheter was placed in the ipsilateral common carotid artery at its origin in the neck. Learners used a muscle graft to establish vascular control and were evaluated over 3 training sessions. Simulation assessment, blood loss during sessions, and performance metric data were collected for learners.

RESULTS

Vascular control was obtained at a mean arterial pressure of 65 mm Hg using a muscle graft correctly positioned at the arteriotomy site. Learners improved over the course of training, with senior residents (n = 4) performing better across all simulation categories (situation awareness, decision making, communications and teamwork, and leadership); the largest mean difference was in communication and teamwork. Additionally, learner performance concerning blood loss improved between sessions (t = 3.667, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In this pilot endoscopic endonasal simulation study, we successfully demonstrate a vascular complication perfusion model. Learners were able to gain direct applicable expertise in endoscopic endonasal techniques, instrumentation use, and teamwork required to optimize the technique. Learners gained skills of vascular complication management that transcend this model.

Dual Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal and Precaruncular Transorbital Approaches for Clipping of the Cavernous Carotid Artery: A Cadaveric Simulation

Background Endoscopic skull base approaches are being used to address complicated neurovascular pathology. These approaches are safest when proximal vascular control of the cavernous carotid artery (CavCA) can be obtained. Methods We present a cadaver-based anatomic simulation study showing the feasibility of clip placement for the CavCA as it courses through the cavernous sinus. The arterial vessels were injected with red microfil (Flow Tech, Carver, Massachusetts) to enhance visibility. The endoscope was directed through a precaruncular transorbital approach and instrumentation was managed through an endonasal transsphenoidal approach. Results The dual approach minimized the "coning down" and instrument "sword fighting" that occurs as the rod lens endoscope and instruments are used laterally and posterior toward the clivus and brainstem. The precaruncular transorbital approach improved visualization of the clip application and improved the functional working area. The transorbital port allowed better appreciation of the distal clip tines, and the laterally positioned cranial nerves. Conclusions The advantages may be most realized in the setting of endoscopic endonasal resection of highly vascular lesions and/or bleeding from a ruptured aneurysm being clipped. Simulated training provides an excellent opportunity to enhance skill sets and increase familiarity with anatomical visualization before entering the operative arena.

Endovascular management of internal carotid artery injuries secondary to endonasal surgery: case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is a rare but severe complication of endonasal surgery. The authors describe their endovascular experience managing ICA injuries after transsphenoidal surgery; they review and summarize the current literature regarding endovascular techniques; and they propose a treatment algorithm based on the available evidence. METHODS A retrospective review of 576 transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resections was performed. Cases of ICA injury occurring at our institution and transfers from other hospitals were evaluated. Endovascular treatments for ICA injury reported in the literature were also reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Seven cases were identified from the institutional cohort (mean age 46.3 years, mean follow-up 43.4 months [1-107 months]) that received endovascular treatment for ICA injury. Five injuries occurred at our institution (5 [0.9%] of 576), and 2 injuries occurred at outside hospitals. Three patients underwent ICA sacrifice by coil placement, 2 underwent lesion embolization (coil or stent-assisted coil placement), and 2 underwent endoluminal reconstruction (both with flow diversion devices). Review of the literature identified 98 cases of ICA injury treated with endovascular methods. Of the 105 total cases, 46 patients underwent ICA sacrifice, 28 underwent lesion embolization, and 31 underwent endoluminal reconstruction. Sacrifice of the ICA proved a durable solution in all cases; however, the rate of persistent neurological complications was relatively high (10 [21.7%] of 46). Lesion embolization was primarily performed by coil embolization without stenting (16 cases) and stent-assisted coiling (9 cases). Both techniques had a relatively high rate of at least some technical complication (6 [37.5%] of 16 and 5 [55.6%] of 9, respectively) and major technical complications (i.e., injury, new neurological deficit, or ICA sacrifice) (5 [31.3%] of 16 and 2 [22.2%] of 9, respectively). Endoluminal reconstruction was performed by covered stent (24 cases) and flow diverter (5 cases) placement. Covered stents showed a reasonably high rate of technical complications (10 [41.7%] of 24); however, 8 of these problems were resolved, leaving a small percentage with major technical complications (2 [8.3%] of 24). Flow diverter placement was also well tolerated, with only 1 minor technical complication. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatments including vessel sacrifice, coil embolization (with or without stent assistance), and endoluminal reconstruction offer a tailored approach to ICA injury management after endonasal surgery. Vessel sacrifice remains the definitive treatment for acute, uncontrolled bleeding; however, vessel preservation techniques should be considered carefully in select patients. Multiple factors including vascular anatomy, injury characteristics, and risk of dual antiplatelet therapy should guide best treatment, but more study is needed (particularly with flow diverters) to refine this decision-making process. Ideally, all endovascular treatment options should be available at institutions performing endonasal surgery.

[Combined surgical treatment of cavernous internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm]

We describe a clinical case of surgical treatment of a cavernous internal carotid artery (ICA) pseudoaneurysm that developed due to damage to the artery during transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenoma. Clinically, the aneurysm presented with episodes of profuse epistaxis that required tight nasal packing. Given the presence of an open circle of Willis, the patient underwent staged surgery that included the creation of a high-flow extra-intracranial anastomosis, subsequent endovascular ICA occlusion at the pseudoaneurysm level using balloon-assisted coiling, and endoscopic debridement of the nasal cavity. The combined surgical treatment of this rare complication successfully excluded the pseudoaneurysm from the bloodstream, which led to complete regression of nasal bleeding.

Internal carotid artery injury in endoscopic endonasal surgery: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury during endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) is a known and feared complication of paranasal sinus and skull base procedures. These ICA injuries can result in stroke, cranial nerve palsies, and death. This review examines the setting of injury along with the treatment approaches, and patient outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review using PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE.

METHODS

The databases were searched for articles reporting cases of ICA injury during EES. Variables analyzed included patient demographics, operative approach, preoperative diagnosis, setting of injury, repair method, imaging studies, patient outcomes, and follow-up.

RESULTS

Twenty-five articles with 50 cases were included in this review. The EES approach was used for skull base procedures in 34 cases and for inflammatory disease in 16 cases. The most commonly injured ICA segment was the cavernous (34 cases), followed by the ophthalmic (three cases). Injuries occurred more commonly on the left (1.3:1). Injury occurred in the setting of various steps during EES with instruments. Stereotactic image guidance was reported in two cases. Initial hemostasis was achieved with packing in 35 cases, endoscopic clip sacrifice in four cases, bipolar coagulation with the intent to seal defect in three cases, and bipolar coagulation with the intent to sacrifice the ICA in one case. Intraoperative or immediate postoperative angiography was reported in 27 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of reported cases of ICA injury during EES remains low. Left-sided injuries to the cavernous segment of the ICA occurred more frequently than injuries on the right.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA Laryngoscope, 126:582-590, 2016.

Current Status of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Skull Base Meningiomas: Review of the Literature

Endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) is expected to be ideal for the paramedian ventral skull base meningiomas, allowing wide access to the ventral skull base regions and realizing early devascularization of the tumor without retraction of the brain. We searched clinical reports of EEA for skull base meningiomas, written in English language, published before October 2014, using the PubMed literature search on the website. Skull base meningiomas are subdivided by the site of occurrence, olfactory groove (8 articles including 80 cases), tuberculum sellae (14 articles, 153 cases), cavernous sinus (2 articles, 8 cases), petroclival region (4 articles, 10 cases), and craniofacial region (2 articles, 5 cases), and the surgical outcomes of EEA were analyzed. In anterior skull base regions, EEA contributed to effective improvement of the symptoms in small and round-shaped meningiomas, but 25% of the patients had postoperative cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea. In cavernous sinus and petroclival regions, successful surgical removal largely depended on tumor consistency, and the extent of the surgical resection proportionally increased the risks of serious complications. Thus, judicious endoscopic resection with adjuvant radiotherapy or radiosurgery remains to be the most reasonable treatment option. To decrease the risks of surgical complications, the surgeons must master the closure techniques of dural defect and meticulous microsurgical procedure under endoscopic vision. Further progress will depend on the progresses of surgical technique in neurosurgeons engaging this potentially “minimally invasive” surgery.