Double-barrel STA-MCA bypass for a giant thrombosed supraclinoid ICA aneurysm with gangliocapsular infarct – A case report

Abstract

Extracranial-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass is an essential tool for cerebral revascularization procedure. Superficial temporal artery–middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass was usually performed using one stem of the STA only. In an attempt to augment the flow and to direct the flow to different ischemic areas of the brain, a “double-barrel” technique is used, in which both branches of the STA are used to revascularize distinct MCA territories. Though there are many advancements in endovascular procedures, still STA MCA bypass plays a role in selected cases. We report a 50 years old female with giant thrombosed supraclinoid segment internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysm with gangliocapsular infarct presented with vision loss, and limb weakness. Patient underwent double barrel STA-MCA bypass, post operatively patient improved of symptoms and patient was discharged in a stable condition. Though endovascular techniques have evolved exponentially over the last few years, and most of these complex aneurysms can be treated using flow-diverting techniques.Though the need for microsurgical intervention is diminished iin this endovascular era, still the surgeons should think about these revascularization procedures as it gives life-long durable solution.